When Miranda McKeon, then just 19 years old, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2021, her world was turned upside down. The USC freshman had just completed her first year at the University of Southern California when the unexpected and terrifying diagnosis came. Yet, after enduring chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and medically induced menopause, McKeon emerged cancer-free in 2022, stronger and wiser than ever.
Now, at 24, McKeon channels her life experiences into her work as a content creator, making her mark in New York City. Though her social media presence predominantly focuses on health awareness, her posts also encompass a variety of lifestyle topics, including beauty, fashion, and wellness.
In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, McKeon opened up about her evolving role as a women’s health advocate, especially in her new position as an advisor to the health startup BeSound. Despite her growing influence in cancer awareness, McKeon stresses the importance of being a “multidimensional person.” She shared that her online presence doesn’t revolve solely around breast cancer—she embraces a broader range of interests and believes in being honest about her passions.
“I try not to limit myself to being so black and white with things. I am accepting every day that I’m a multidimensional person,” McKeon explained. “I can love skincare and beauty, and I can also love self-screening and eating as a form of wellness.”
McKeon, who rose to fame with her role in Anne with an E, encourages her Gen-Z audience to prioritize their health proactively. However, she remains critical of the wellness industry, particularly the rise of quick-fix solutions marketed online.
“I take so many qualms with the self-help wellness industry,” McKeon says. “A lot of times we’re sold lotions and potions as a means of self-care. We fall into patterns of thinking that products are the key to enlightenment and longevity.” Instead, McKeon advocates for a more straightforward approach to health, one focused on routine, medical care, and self-care.
“The best thing you can do for your health is stay on top of it, from a medical standpoint. That involves fitness, exercise, eating well, and self-screening,” she continues. “Those are the things we need to be doing daily, weekly, and monthly. That’s the biggest investment you can make in yourself.”
With her candid perspective, McKeon reminds her followers that health isn’t about quick fixes or cosmetic products. It’s about maintaining long-term habits that contribute to overall well-being.
As someone with a rare medical history, McKeon advises her audience to approach health advice on social media with caution, recognizing that what works for one person may not be applicable to another. “There’s a lot of confusion and jargon about how to take care of yourself,” she says. “My best advice would be to get quiet and figure out your own personal priorities.”
