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Kris Jenner shared some long-anticipated health scan results in the July 4 episode of The Kardashians. She told her family that her doctor found “a cyst and a little tumor” on her ovaries. Her doctor ordered surgery for the removal of her ovaries, and Kris got emotional saying her goodbyes.
On the July 4 episode of The Kardashians, Kris Jenner gathered her family to share some upsetting health news—the 68-year-old matriarch revealed she will have her ovaries removed after doctors found “a cyst and a little tumor.”
Kris, understandably, grew tearful in sharing the update. “I wanted to tell you guys something … I went to the doctor and had my scan,” she shared. “They found, and this just makes me really emotional but, they found a cyst and a little tumor on my ovary.”
She continued, acknowledging the end of an era. “Dr. A said I’ve gotta have my ovaries taken out and I’m emotional about it because they came in handy with you guys,” she said. “That’s where all my kids were conceived and that’s where they were grown, in my tummy. So this is a very sacred place to me.”
Ovarian cysts are common, per the National Institutes of Health, and most are benign, however, women of post-menopausal age are at greater risk of them becoming malignant, the organization says. Ovarian cysts and ovarian tumors differ slightly as cysts are usually fluid-filled pockets of regular tissues that can cause complications if they rupture, hemorrhage, or twist, whereas tumors are solid masses and may contain cancer cells, per the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
Other than plans for surgery, Kris didn’t share further details about her diagnosis, however, older women seem to be at the highest risk for ovarian cysts becoming cancerous. A 2019 study, for example, found that among people age 50 or older, an estimated 6.5% with complex (meaning symptomatic) ovarian cysts may be diagnosed with ovarian cancer within three years. It’s possible that Kris’ place in the higher-risk age group could be why her doctor recommended the operation.
The Kardashian-Jenner family was overwhelmed by the news, but ultimately grateful that it wasn’t worse. “I totally understand how my mom is feeling because I would feel the same way,” Kourtney Kardashian said. “It’s your womanly power and it doesn’t mean that it’s taking away who she is or what she’s experienced, but I would feel this sentimental feeling of what it’s created.” Kim Kardashian chimed in, too, adding that she feels “really sad” for Kris.
Kris noted that this makes the reality of aging sink in a little deeper. “I’m not nervous to be put to sleep. I’m not nervous with Dr. A, she’s the best doctor in the world. But then you go to do it and, it’s so real,” she said. “It’s a whole chapter that’s just closed.”
In the end, with encouragement from her kids, she reassumed the triumphant, confident position for which she’s known. “I’m gonna be fine… I have you guys,” she said. “People often ask me what is the best job I’ve ever had, and I’ve always said: Mom. The biggest blessing in my life was being able to give 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 to six beautiful kids.”