Busy Philipps Says Rare Brain Tumor Was Removed After Two Surgeries, Credit Provided to Preventive Imaging

Busy Philipps said she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and later had it removed, undergoing two surgeries in total, in a health update published Wednesday by The Hollywood Reporter. Philipps, known for her work on television including Dawson’s Creek and Cougar Town, said the experience left her grateful to be alive and able to continue her life and work.

In the account, Philipps described being scheduled for a Prenuvo scan, a whole-body imaging service, but said she almost backed out of the appointment after the death of her friend and former Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who she said died the day before. Philipps said the timing and the emotional impact of that loss nearly disrupted her decision to go through with the scan.

After she kept the appointment, Philipps said the imaging led to the discovery of a rare brain tumor. She later underwent two surgeries related to the condition, and she framed the sequence of events as a reminder that preventive medical tools can surface issues before they become emergencies.

Philipps did not provide additional details in the report about the tumor’s specific name, stage, or the exact dates of her diagnosis and operations. The article likewise does not specify whether the surgeries were performed at the same time or on separate dates beyond the fact that she said she had two surgeries.

The disclosure comes as public awareness of advanced imaging services such as Prenuvo has grown among entertainers and other high-profile individuals. Whole-body scans have drawn attention for their ability to detect unexpected findings, while also raising questions about follow-up care and how patients navigate additional testing and treatment decisions.

The Hollywood Reporter did not describe any immediate impact on Philipps’ projects in the published account. The report focused on her personal medical timeline and how she managed her care after the scan results.

Philipps’ comments place emphasis on family and personal support during difficult moments, especially given her decision-making around the Prenuvo appointment after Van Der Beek’s death. The actress’ account centers on the practical effects of keeping a scheduled health step despite grief and how that choice factored into the subsequent medical intervention.

Neither the actress nor the publication detailed a post-surgery recovery timetable in the report. For viewers and fans, the disclosure functions primarily as a personal health update and an account of how preventive imaging and timely follow-up can lead to earlier treatment for serious conditions.