Drew Barrymore opened up about a recent health scare during the latest episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, revealing that she underwent an emergency biopsy after receiving an alarming mammogram result.
The Never Been Kissed star spoke candidly on the November 3 episode while interviewing comedian and breast cancer survivor Tig Notaro. Barrymore, 50, said her doctors became concerned after what she described as a “bad mammogram,” prompting them to send her for further testing.
“This was the thing I wanted to risk talking about on this show because I recently had a scare,” Barrymore told Notaro. “I’m completely fine, but I had a bad mammogram, and that’s why they took me into that room for an emergency biopsy.”
The Charlie’s Angels actress recalled the nerve-wracking days that followed. “I waited those five days,” she said, describing the anxiety of not knowing whether the results would bring life-changing news. Barrymore grew emotional while recounting the experience, admitting that the ordeal gave her a new perspective on her health and gratitude for early detection, as per Daily Mail.
During their heartfelt conversation, Barrymore also asked Notaro to share how she came to terms with her own cancer journey. The comedian, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and has been in remission since 2013, reflected on how the diagnosis changed her outlook on life.
“It cracked me open completely,” Notaro said. “I went from being somebody who held everything to myself. I was gonna do it on my own.” She continued, “It is the greatest gift you can give yourself and the people that love you because people want to help. People want to do good, and it changed my life.”
Barrymore praised Notaro for her openness and her creative work, noting that the comedian recently produced the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, which focuses on poet Andrea Gibson’s journey after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The emotional exchange struck a chord with viewers, as both women shared how vulnerability and community can play powerful roles in healing. Barrymore’s decision to speak publicly about her own scare, she said, was meant to encourage others to take their health seriously and not ignore screenings or symptoms.
While Barrymore’s results ultimately came back clear, her experience served as a reminder of how quickly life can shift and the importance of regular checkups and early detection in protecting one’s health.
