Even Stevens Star Christy Carlson Romano Reveals Cancer Scare

The actress gets emotional as she shares health update with fans.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Christy Carlson Romano, best known for her role on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, has revealed that she is facing a cancer scare. The 41-year-old actress took to Instagram to share an emotional update, explaining that she received a positive result during recent cancer screenings she and her husband underwent due to their family history of the disease. Romano will now undergo further testing, including a PET scan, as she fights to get the procedure covered by insurance.

Why it matters

Romano's openness about her health scare sheds light on the challenges many people face when navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, especially when dealing with potentially serious medical conditions. Her story also highlights the importance of regular cancer screenings, particularly for those with a family history of the disease.

The details

In her Instagram video, Romano broke down in tears as she shared the news of her positive cancer screening result, contrasting it with her husband's negative result. The actress also reflected on the recent passing of Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. Romano, who lives in Austin, Texas, said she had the opportunity to meet Van Der Beek and his family, who were active in the local community and supported various charities.

  • On Tuesday, Christy Carlson Romano shared the emotional update on her health on Instagram.
  • Romano will now undergo a PET scan to gather more information about her condition.

The players

Christy Carlson Romano

A 41-year-old actress best known for her role on the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, who is currently facing a cancer scare.

Brendan Rooney

Christy Carlson Romano's husband, who also underwent cancer screenings with his wife.

James Van Der Beek

The late Dawson's Creek actor, who passed away at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

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What they’re saying

“My husband's came back completely negative. Mine did not come back negative.”

— Christy Carlson Romano, Actress (Instagram)

“I live in Austin, and I was able to meet James Van Der Beek a bunch. His family's amazing. He's a pillar of our community in Texas. They always were raising money for the most amazing charities, and he's not with us anymore. Cancer is everywhere. Which is why I got this test.”

— Christy Carlson Romano, Actress (Instagram)

“It's time to have a strong sense of faith and know that it's in God's hands, most of it. I'm sure people think I'm overreacting, but I'm not, because cancer is pretty serious, and I have two little girls.”

— Christy Carlson Romano, Actress (Instagram)

What’s next

Romano will undergo a PET scan to gather more information about her health condition, and she is fighting with insurance companies to get the scan covered.

The takeaway

Christy Carlson Romano's openness about her cancer scare highlights the importance of regular cancer screenings, especially for those with a family history of the disease. Her story also sheds light on the challenges many people face when navigating the healthcare system during times of medical uncertainty.