‘West Side Story’ Star Rachel Zegler Opens Up On Former Breast Cancer Scare

Actress Rachel Zegler recently opened up about her physical and mental health on Instagram. The “West Side Story” actress posted a now-deleted story, including a photo of a scar she got after undergoing a breast biopsy to check for breast cancer cells. She also shared the story of her experience, which happened when she was just 19 years old.

Zegler is open about her mental health, even before her rise to fame. In 2018, she tweeted that she suffers from anxiety and depression and is working on herself. Zegler trended six months ago after revealing to fans that she wasn’t invited to the Oscars ceremony, a decision the Academy quickly rectified by inviting her as a presenter.

Zegler’s film career is about to get very busy, as she’s currently filming the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Snow White, which will premiere in March 2024. She’s also scheduled to reunite with her boyfriend and West Side Story co-star, Josh Andres Rivera, in the “Hunger Games” prequel.

Read on to find out more.

Zegler recently took to Instagram to share the story of the breast cancer scare she experienced when she was 19 years old. The actress wrote per E! News, “No OB/GYN was taking new patients due to the backlog of the pandemic, but I was fortunate to have the care of my pediatrician who prescribed me an ultrasound, which led to an out-patient biopsy procedure.”

She explained that it was a pretty serious situation but that she was thankful everything turned out well, and the biopsy revealed that the lump was benign. The post also included a black and white photo of Zegler’s scar from the procedure. She said the scar reminds her “to check my breasts regularly for any irregular growth.”

The actress also advised women to check for lumps in their breasts regularly. She wrote, “The fibroadenoma in my left breast is a common occurrence but nevertheless extremely scary to find. Early detection saves lives!!! Check your t--ty meat.”

Zegler has also been very open about her mental health. The Golden Globe winner previously revealed that she suffers from mental health issues, but this was long before her rise to fame in “West Side Story.”

In 2018, Zegler participated in the #EndTheStigma trend. She tweeted, “Hello. My name is Rachel. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and occasionally feel depersonalized and disassociated from reality. I’m a work in progress. I’m finding the common ground between me and my mind. And that’s enough. But please, ask if I’m okay. #EndTheStigma"

Zegler’s breast cancer scare reveal comes just six months after the actress surprised her fans by revealing she wasn’t invited to the 2022 Oscars, despite “West Side Story” being nominated in four categories. Zegler revealed the snub after a fan commented that they were excited to see her on the Oscars red carpet.

Per The Blast, she replied to the fan’s comment with, “I’m not invited so sweatpants and my boyfriend’s flannel.” When several fans asked why she didn’t receive an invite, Zegler wrote, “Idk y’all. I have tried it all but it doesn’t seem to be happening :') I will root for West Side Story from my couch and be proud of the work we so tirelessly did three years ago.”

She continued, “I hope some last minute miracle occurs and I can celebrate our film in person but hey that’s how it goes sometimes, I guess. Thanks for all the shock and outrage—I’m disappointed, too. But that’s okay. So proud of our movie.” A few days later, the Academy fulfilled Zegler’s wish by inviting her to be a presenter, and she accepted.

Zegler’s film career is getting booked up as the actress is currently filming for Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White.” Zegler will be fulfilling her childhood Princess dreams as Snow White herself, while Gal Gadot plays the evil witch trying to kill her. The film is on track to premiere in March 2024.

Zegler will also be reuniting with her boyfriend and “West Side Story” co-star, Josh Andres Rivera, in the “Hunger Games” prequel. According to The Blast, Zegler plays the role of Lucy Gray Baird, while Rivera plays the role of Sejanus Plinth, who eventually becomes the evil President in the original “Hunger Games” films.