Lucy Liu has offered rare insight into her cancer misdiagnosis, reflecting on the frightening experience and how it transformed her perspective.

During an interview with PEOPLE, the 57-year-old actress revealed that she discovered a lump in her breast and rushed to consult a doctor.

"I didn't really think too much about it. But it was scary, because at that time, there was less information that was available, because we didn't have internet," Liu said.

She went on to explain that her doctor "felt the lump and said it was cancer," without conducting further tests such as an ultrasound or mammogram.

Rather than undergoing additional medical tests, the Charlie’s Angels star "immediately scheduled" surgery to have the lump removed, only to later find out it was non-cancerous.

She acknowledged that the experience taught her to speak up for herself, as she didn’t initially seek a second opinion because she had trusted her doctor completely at the time.

"I think that was the beginning of understanding how to advocate for myself,” Liu admitted.

While recounting the daunting experience, she noted that she doesn’t live with regret, but instead sees it as a lesson that helped her make better choices moving forward.

The Kill Bill: Volume 1 actress reinforced her message, encouraging women in particular to ask questions and ensure they are properly examined.

Liu has also been involved in cancer awareness campaigns, stressing that early detection can truly be a game changer.

Lucy Liu’s upcoming acting project

Lucy Liu is set to appear in the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2, joining returning stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. The film is slated for release on May 1, 2026.