Sofia Vergara had thyroid cancer at 28, explains what saved her

‘Modern Family’ actor Sofia Vergara was 28 when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She revealed about how she handled the shocking news by not panicking and educating herself about the condition.

The 48-year-old actor, who was part of 2021 Stand Up to Cancer telecast on Saturday, explained how a regular checkup saved her. She said during her regular check-up, doctors found a lump in her neck and instead of freaking out, she chose to educate herself.

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Sofia said once you hear that word ‘cancer,’ your mind goes to so many places. She tried not to panic and read as much as she could about the disease. Sofia added that she was “fortunate” to have caught cancer early and is cancer-free today with the support of her doctors and “most importantly” her family.

Earlier in 2011, she spoke about how she decided to keep her diagnosis a secret until after the cancer was gone.

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Sofia said that she decided not to go public as it having cancer was not fun, adding that one cannot deal with anything else while you are going through it.

After her treatment, she started to help cancer-stricken families in her home country Colombia. She started a charity and build a cancer centre in her hometown of Barranquilla, according to 2011 interview.

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She revealed how she once visited the cancer ward of a hospital in Colombia, and saw parents sitting on the floor while their kids were being treated. It was uncomfortable for her and she knows parents can go to any length to save their child.

Sofia Vergara is married to actor Joe Manganiello since 2015. She has a 29-year-old son, Manolo, with her ex-husband Joe Gonzalez.