July 05, 2025: Olivia Williams, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in The Crown and The Sixth Sense, has revealed that she will never be cancer-free due to a delayed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In a recent interview, Williams shared that after experiencing symptoms like fatigue, chronic diarrhea, and limb aches, she was misdiagnosed with conditions such as lupus and perimenopause. It took four years and visits to 10 doctors across three countries before a CT scan in 2018 finally identified a rare pancreatic tumor known as VIPoma. By then, the cancer had metastasized to her liver, making a complete cure impossible.

Ongoing Treatment and Advocacy for Early Detection

Despite undergoing treatments like Lutathera, a targeted radiotherapy, Williams continues to manage recurring cancer, likening her experience to playing “whack-a-mole.” She now advocates for early detection and improved diagnostic methods, supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK in efforts to develop affordable and simple tests that could transform patient outcomes. Emphasizing the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer, Williams highlights the urgent need for early testing.

Raising Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer and Better Diagnostic Methods

For more insights into Olivia Williams’s reflections on her personal journey, you can listen to her full interview on The Michelle Obama Podcast.