Sofia Vergara is getting candid about her battle with thyroid cancer — more than 20 years after she was first diagnosed.
The “Modern Family” star, 49, spoke about her medical history while virtually hosting a Stand Up to Cancer charity event on Saturday, Today reports.
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Vergara explained that the cancer was discovered on a routine doctor’s visit when she was 28 years old.
"At 28 years old during a routine doctor's visit, my doctor felt a lump in my neck," Vergara said. "They did a lot of tests and finally told me I had thyroid cancer."
Surprised by her diagnosis, the actress immediately began learning everything she could about the disease.
"When you're young and you hear that word, 'cancer,' your mind goes to so many places," Vergara said. "But I tried not to panic and I decided to get educated. I read every book and found out everything I could about it."
The actress credited early detection for allowing her to overcome the disease.
"I was fortunate to have caught it early and to have the support of my doctors and most importantly, my family," Vergara said during the event telecast. "I learned a lot during that time, not just about thyroid cancer but I also learned that in times of crisis, we're better together."
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"We're better together and if we're going to end cancer, it's going to require a team effort," Vergara continued.
The Stand Up to Cancer charity was co-founded by Katie Couric in 2008. The organization has since raised hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research.
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