Busy Philipps’ message to women after shock brain tumour diagnosis

Busy Philipps revealed she underwent surgery for a rare brain tumour, caught early by an elective full-body scan before any symptoms appeared.

The actor told PEOPLE that a scan in February revealed a grade 2 oligodendroglioma.

“My brain does not feel broken anymore,” she told PEOPLE following the surgery.

Philipps said she had initially raised the prospect of a scan with her primary care doctor in 2025, but was told she didn’t need one given her age, good annual physical results, and lack of symptoms.

She later discussed the idea with Beverly Hills Dr Justin Donlan, her cousin’s husband, before deciding to undergo an elective full-body MRI.

The scan detected a mass on her brain, and a follow-up MRI confirmed a tumour.

Philipps said she hopes her experience encourages women to advocate for themselves when they have health concerns.

“I think that that really speaks to us as women. We are frequently told by doctors that there is nothing to worry about and you kind of know that there’s something to worry about,” she said.

However, Philipps acknowledged her “inherent privilege” in being able to access an elective full-body scan, which can cost several thousand dollars.

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“It’s not an inexpensive thing,” the Dawson’s Creek star admitted.

Her experience does not mean people without symptoms need full-body MRI screening.

Such scans are not routinely recommended for everyone, and Philipps’ tumour was discovered after she personally chose to undergo elective imaging despite having no clear symptoms.

The actress said her close friend Michelle Williams also reminded her of something she had been saying in the years before the diagnosis.

“When I first told her, she said, ’Busy, you have been saying for the past two years, ‘My brain feels broken.’ And she was right. I have. I’ve been saying this for the last few years.”

Philipps said the lesson she wants women to take from her experience is to keep raising health concerns and seek appropriate medical advice if something does not feel right.

“I do think that that is something that I hope, especially women, can take away from my experience,” she said.

“First of all, there’s nothing to be afraid of in having information. It’s only empowering.”

“Ultimately, we, as humans, have the ability to be in touch with what is going on inside of our own bodies if we’re able to recognise it and listen to ourselves,” she continued. “Frequently, we dismiss ourselves.”

Philipps is next set to appear in the legal drama Cupertino.