Maria Menounos Survived Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer

Maria Menounos is opening up about her battle with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer.

The 44-year-old TV host was originally diagnosed with the pancreatic cancer in January and because she caught it early, was able to have surgery in February to remove the tumor.

“I need people to know there are places they can go to catch things early,” Maria told People. “You can’t let fear get in the way. I had that moment where I thought I was a goner—but I’m okay because I caught this early enough.”

Maria addressed her health all while she and husband Keven Undergaro prepare for their baby girl to be born via surrogate this summer.

Keep reading to find out more…

Maria has a long history of surviving health challenges and healing. In 2017, Maria was diagnosed and treated for a benign brain tumor.

Last year had initially been going very well for her. “I was feeling so good, and then I got slapped in the face with a new diagnosis,” Maria said of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and suffering from severe leg cramps. “I’d scream out loud, I was inconsolable.”

Maria then had to be hospitalized again “with excruciating abdominal pain coupled with diarrhea,” but an initial CT scan didn’t reveal anything significant. After a full-body MRI scan was completed, a 3.9 cm. neuroendocrine tumor on her pancreas was discovered.

“I’m like ‘How in the freaking world can I have a brain tumor and pancreatic cancer?’ ” Maria said. “All I could think was that I have a baby coming.”

“God granted me a miracle,” Maria said of her baby on the way. “I’m going to appreciate having her in my life so much more than I would have before this journey.”

Earlier this year, Maria and her husband Keven announced they were expecting via a surrogate after ten years of trying to start a family.