Christy Carlson Romano Reveals Positive Cancer Screening Results

Christy Carlson Romano, best known for her role as Ren Stevens on Disney sitcom Even Stevens, revealed that a recent cancer screening test came back positive. Since then, she has been approaching life “one day at a time”.

Romano is an American actress and podcaster. The 41 year-old actress was best known for her roles in Disney projects when she was young, from starring in Disney television shows such as Even Stevens and Cadet Kelly, to voicing the titular character Kim Possible in the Disney cartoon. Romano also starred as Belle in the broadway production Beauty and the Beast in 2004.

Beyond acting, Romano has also been involved in podcasts. She has been hosting her own podcast Vulnerable where she interviews former child stars. She also previously had a podcast company PodCo, which she launched with her husband in 2023, which focuses on rewatches of the old Disney television series.

Romano has a family history of cancer, with both her parents and her grandmother having been diagnosed with cancer before. “My mom beat it. My dad eventually didn’t. My grandmother on my mom’s side had lung cancer and died from that,” she shared.

"Cancer is everywhere, which is why I got this test. I kind of was in disbelief about it, because I was filming, and I was so happy to be back on set, and I didn't want to really think about it much," Romano shared.

Romano vowed to "keep fighting for answers" and saluted her "loving family," who are a constant source of support for her. The mother of two was also concerned about how a cancer diagnosis might affect her children. "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."

Romano also spoke about the late James Van Der Beek, who passed away recently from colorectal cancer. “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 were always raising money for the most amazing charities, and he’s not with us anymore,” she shared.