In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the literary world, global best-selling author Colleen Hoover has announced she is battling cancer. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the 46-year-old novelist broke her silence regarding her health, confirming she is currently completing her final rounds of radiation therapy. Known for her emotionally charged storytelling, Hoover shared the deeply personal news via social media, explaining that she had kept the diagnosis private while undergoing surgery and treatment over the last few months.
"Second to Last Day": Inside Hoover's Brave Announcement
The It Ends With Us author took to Instagram Stories to share a candid photo from her treatment center, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. Dressed in a hospital gown, Hoover captioned the image with her trademark blend of honesty and humor: "Second to last day of radiation. I wish I could blame my hair and facial expressions on @Texas.Oncology, but they've been great. Hope you never need them, but highly recommend them."
This Colleen Hoover Instagram news comes as a relief to fans who have been speculating about her well-being since late 2025. By waiting until she was nearly finished with her medical regimen, Hoover managed to navigate the most difficult stages of her illness away from the public eye, a choice that allowed her to focus entirely on her recovery.
The Private Battle: Surgery and Diagnosis Details
While the public announcement dropped today, Hoover had previously shared details with her close-knit fan community. In December 2025, she reportedly posted in a private Facebook group for her "CoHorts," revealing that she had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year. According to these reports, the author underwent surgery to remove the cancer before beginning radiation. Fortunately, she confirmed that chemotherapy was not required for her specific case.
This timeline explains her noticeable absence from major industry events late last year. In October 2025, Hoover missed the premiere of the film adaptation of her novel Regretting You. At the time, she cited an "unavoidable surgery" as the reason for her non-attendance, apologizing to fans and cast members. Now, the context of that Colleen Hoover health update is clear: she was already in the thick of her fight against the disease.
"I Hate When Science Is Right": The Genetic Findings
True to her relatable persona, Hoover shared insights into the potential causes of her diagnosis with wit and candor. She revealed that she had visited a geneticist to determine if her cancer was hereditary. The results brought both good news and a hard truth.
"I got results back today from the geneticist that say my cancer did not come from family genes," she wrote in a recent update. "It also didn't come from the two main causes of the cancer... This means it was more than likely environmental/lifestyle, which is lack of exercise, poor diet and stress."
Addressing the lifestyle changes she now faces, Hoover joked, "I'm happy and grateful to be alive but I hate vegetables. I hate when I have to get off the couch. I hate sweating. I hate when science is right." This vulnerability has resonated deeply with the BookTok celebrity news community, prompting an outpouring of support across platforms.
Career Highs Amidst Health Struggles
Remarkably, Hoover's health battle has coincided with one of the busiest periods of her career. Today, January 13, 2026, marks the release of her highly anticipated new novel, Woman Down. The book, which follows an author facing a viral backlash, is already topping charts, proving that her professional momentum remains unstoppable despite her personal challenges.
In addition to the book launch, Hollywood continues to bet big on Hoover's work. Following the 2024 success of It Ends With Us and the recent Regretting You adaptation, her novel Reminders of Him is set to hit theaters on March 13, 2026. The Colleen Hoover cancer news adds a layer of poignancy to these achievements, highlighting her resilience in balancing a grueling treatment schedule with a demanding career.
What This Means for Celebrity Health Stories in 2026
Hoover's transparency marks one of the most significant celebrity health stories 2026 has seen so far. By discussing the environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to her diagnosis, she is inadvertently raising awareness about preventative health among her massive younger audience. Her willingness to discuss the "boring" causes of cancer—diet and stress—cuts through the typical celebrity narrative, offering a grounded perspective that many find refreshing.
As she approaches her final Colleen Hoover radiation session, the author appears optimistic and ready to move forward. "If you see me at a restaurant eating grilled chicken and drinking water, I'm probably real mad about it," she quipped, signaling that while her lifestyle may change, her spirit remains untouched.
