Rita Wilson reveals cancer fight: Wife of Tom Hanks undergoes double mastectomy

Hollywood actress Rita Wilson has revealed she has undergone a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with cancer.

In a statement to People magazine, the 58-year-old star said she was taking a professional hiatus to deal with a "personal health issue".

"Last week, with my husband by my side, and with the love and support of family and friends, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after a diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma," she told People magazine.

"I am recovering and most importantly, expected to make a full recovery. Why? Because I caught this early, have excellent doctors and because I got a second opinion. I have had an underlying condition of LCIS [lobular carcinoma in situ] which has been vigilantly monitored through yearly mammograms and breast MRIs."

Wilson, who has been married to Tom Hanks for 26 years, is expected to take a leave of absence from Fish In The Dark, the Broadway show she has been starring in with Rosie Perez.

The mother-of-two also urged fans to see a doctor if they had any concerns and stressed the importance of catching cancer early. Her initial biopsies found no cancer but she later decided to get a second opinion.

Wilson said that while she is looking forward to "renewed health", she is keen to share her experience in the hopes of helping others.

"A different pathologist found invasive lobular carincoma," she said. "This diagnosis of cancer was confirmed by yet another pathologist. I share this to educate others that a second opinion is critical to your health. I hope this will encourage others to get a second opinion and to trust their instincts if something doesn't 'feel' right."

Wilson joins a growing list of female stars including Sharon Osbourne and Anastacia who had the procedure. In May 2013, Angelina Jolie revealed she had gone under the knife for a double mastectomy to prevent the onset of breast cancer.

The Maleficent actress, who possesses the genetic mutation called BRCA1, which significantly increases your chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer, explained in an open letter published in the New York Times that she wanted to tell her children "they don't need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer".