Marcia Cross Learned Her Anal Cancer Was Linked to Her Husband’s Throat Cancer

Upon visiting her gynecologist, Marcia Cross was hit with some shocking information that she was not expecting to hear.

The 57-year-old sat down with CBS This Morning on Wednesday, June 6, to talk about her anal cancer diagnosis, and how it was because of her husband, Tom Mahoney‘s throat cancer that she learned that she had a disease.

“I was so not thinking anything was wrong because I didn’t have any symptoms,” the actress said of her doctor’s visit, where she simply attended to get a routine digital rectal exam. Unfortunately, the Desperate Housewives alum learned that she had a cancerous mass.

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“[My doctor] gave me an exam and she came around and said, ‘Well, I just want you to know whatever it is, it’s curable,'” Marcia recalled. She went on to learn that Tom’s cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2009, was possibly linked through the same type of HPV. However, the current vaccination can help prevent cancer that is tied to HPV, which is why the TV star says she plans to vaccinate her two daughters, Savannah and Eden.

“My girls don’t know it, but they’re up for their first shot at the end of the school year,” Marcia said. “They’re 12.”

During the interview, Marcia made it clear that she felt comfortable revealing her diagnosis in hopes it would shake off the taboo that comes with it. “I know that there are people who are ashamed. You have cancer, do you then also have to feel ashamed, like you did something bad because it took up residence in your anus?” she said.

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“I mean, come on, really. There’s enough on your plate,” she added. Marcia has now completed radiation and chemotherapy.

“I’m feeling back to normal, though, it’s a new normal,” she shared. “I don’t think I’ll ever take it for granted. I’m the girl who goes to the bathroom now and I go ‘Yes! It’s great what my body can do! I’m so grateful.'”

This isn’t the first time the former Melrose Place star has opened up about her anal cancer and the way most people feel about it. Just recently, she told People, “I want to help put a dent in the stigma around anal cancer. I’ve read a lot of cancer-survivor stories, and many people, women especially, were too embarrassed to say what kind of cancer they had. There is a lot of shame about it. I want that to stop.” Well said!

We wish Marcia and Tom nothing but the best!