Busy Philipps’ Journey with a Rare Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Busy Philipps, known for her role in “Cougar Town,” has shared a recent health scare. In a discussion with People magazine, Philipps recounted receiving a diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. This occurred just after James Van Der Beek, her “Dawson’s Creek” co-star, succumbed to colorectal cancer.

Philipps revealed the shock of the diagnosis. Her doctor, Dr. Devinsky, said to her, “I’m going to tell you as I would want someone to tell me.” The news left her breathless, and he reminded her to breathe. He explained, “This is a real tumor inside your brain, and it needs removal.”

Philipps then sought the expertise of Dr. John Golfinos at NYU Langone. She underwent a five-hour surgery on March 2, where surgeons extracted a 2.6-centimeter mass from her brain. The analysis identified the mass as a grade 2 oligodendroglioma. According to Dr. Alexandra Miller, her neuro-oncologist, this rare tumor affects 1,100 to 1,300 people annually in the U.S. It’s considered malignant but has a favorable prognosis compared to other gliomas.

Philipps had previously discussed her interest in a Prenuvo scan with her cousin’s husband, a doctor. Despite her primary care doctor’s assessment in 2025 indicating she was healthy, her cousin’s husband encouraged the scan. The scan led to an MRI, unveiling the brain lesion requiring removal. Dr. Golfinos noted that early detection significantly eased the surgery.

A month after recovery, a dermatologist noted concerns about her incision site. Philipps developed a staphylococcus infection, needing another procedure, which she found frustrating. Despite these challenges, Philipps continued filming “Cupertino,” a legal drama where she plays the ex-wife of an AI billionaire.

Fortunately, her condition doesn’t require chemotherapy or radiation but regular monitoring for any recurrence. The experience taught Philipps to trust her instincts and seek knowledge. She emphasized, “Information is empowering, and there’s nothing to be afraid of.”