Busy Philipps, 47, revealed that doctors found a rare malignant brain tumor and that she underwent two operations during what she called “the weirdest six months of my life.”
The “Dawson’s Creek” alum discussed her diagnosis publicly for the first time in an interview with People published on Wednesday, August 26. Philipps is now recovering and back at work. “I’m grateful that I’m alive,” she told the outlet.
A Full-Body Scan Detected Busy Philipps’ Brain Tumor
Philipps had no seizures or other clear symptoms when she underwent a Prenuvo full-body MRI on Thursday, February 12.
According to People, her primary care doctor had advised against the scan in 2025 because she was young, healthy, and had normal bloodwork.
Her cousin’s husband, internist Dr. Justin Donlan, later told her that knowledge could give her power. His advice stayed with her. A blizzard delayed the appointment from January. Philipps nearly canceled the new date, but her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein, urged her to go. Her former co-star James Van Der Beek had died from colorectal cancer the previous day.
The scan revealed a lesion. A follow-up MRI confirmed the mass needed to be removed.
Doctors Removed the Rare Malignant Tumor
Philipps underwent a five-hour operation on Monday, March 2. Surgeons removed the 2.6-centimeter mass from her frontal lobe. Testing identified it as a grade 2 oligodendroglioma.
Her neuro-oncologist, Dr. Alexandra Miller, told the outlet that the tumor is considered malignant because it can grow back. However, it has the strongest prognosis among malignant gliomas. The condition affects about 1,100 to 1,300 people in the United States each year, according to People.
Doctors said early detection made complete removal easier. Philipps does not currently need chemotherapy or radiation, but she will undergo regular scans to monitor for recurrence.
Busy Philipps Faced a Frightening Surgical Setback
GettyPhilipps also had to break the news to her children, Birdie, 18, and Cricket, 13. Birdie became frightened and overwhelmed. Cricket wanted to know whether her mother would be OK. Philipps reassured both teenagers that she would survive.
Her recovery initially moved quickly. Close friend and former “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Michelle Williams offered support and arranged meals. Philipps also prepared to film her CBS series “Cupertino.” In April, a dermatologist noticed a problem with the incision during a Botox appointment.
Doctors found a staph infection. Philipps returned to surgery on Monday, April 27, to clean the wound and remove a small titanium tack from her skull. “The second surgery really threw me,” Philipps admitted. Doctors caught the infection before it became deep, and she recovered again.
Two ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Stars Also Revealed Cancer Diagnoses
Philipps’ news follows cancer disclosures from two other members of the “Dawson’s Creek” cast.
Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 that he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. The actor, who played Dawson Leery, died on Wednesday, February 11, at age 48.
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother, Gail Leery, revealed in September 2025 that doctors had found colon cancer in 2007. Screening caught the disease before it became far more dangerous, according to E! News.
Philipps hopes her experience encourages others, particularly women, to trust themselves when something about their health feels wrong.
After two surgeries and an unexpected return to the hospital, she said she felt like “the luckiest girl in the world.”
Read the full story on People.
