Now it can be told: Malaysian actress Carmen Soo was out of action for two months because she had to undergo a breast operation.

The actress revealed to Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online and other members of the press during a recent interview that she went through the operation to remove an enlarged cyst in one of her breasts.

“I had it [the cyst] for about ten years. It was small and the doctor said I have to cut it ever year which I did. I go every year to my doctor to have myself checked.

“But I missed taking the test last year. I was busy, I was here ( Philippines ). This year, the cyst doubled in size. It’s benign but it has taken in a shape that's alarming because it’s already this big,” she disclosed, gesturing with her hands.

She continued: “It was a very painful experience for me and I was down for two months. I realized the importance of breast check-ups after that.”

Carmen said she is okay now though she admitted to have been so worried about pushing through with the operation.

“I haven't gone through any operation in my life [before that]. I haven’t even had a tooth pulled. I haven’t stayed in a hospital. I’ve never gone through any anesthesia. I’ve never been operated on.”

The actress-model said she values her health more nowadays.

“I got even more active with working out. I workout more now than I did before.

"Every woman could have it [breast problems]. I had it. We should just [have ourselves checked] every year,” said she who now actively campaigns for breast cancer awareness in Malaysia.

Carmen added that she feels she has a moral obligation to help in the prevention of the disease especially since breast cancer is the number one female killing disease in Malaysia.

When she first discovered a lump in her breast, the actress said her doctor told her there was no need to have it operated on---until it grew big.

“It’s no more....the lumps I have now are caused by water. Some lumps will come and go.. Most don’t come back but new ones (will surface),” said she.

Carmen is in the country for 10 days for several commitments. including launching Clinelle which she endorses. She will next fly to Singapore to tape a new TV series.

The actress said she’s excited to go to the 37th Emmy Awards where her soap [with Jericho Rosales] is nominated in the best drama category.

“I want to go same as Jericho but I think he has a problem with his schedule because he’s still taping,” she said.

Carmen claims to be loveless at the moment, but she admits she goes out on dates. She considers Jericho a "friend."

"We tried to maintain [a close relationship after our show]…. but of course there were times when we lost touch a bit. And then its, ‘Hello, how are you?’again. But, of course, when you’re busy…the best you can do is to try to stay in touch.”

She’s aware of Echo’s heroism during the onslaught of typhoon Ondoy.

“Yeah, I know about it. I think he’s crazy [to have done those things] but he's a hero,” Carmen quipped.

She told an anecdote that revealed more of what she calls Echo’s “crazy” side.

“While we were taping, a co-actor would fall sick and had to be brought to a hospital. And [Echo] would feel a need to [help the guy]! He’d go, 'Should I go with him? I think I should do something!'

“He’s always like that. And I'm like, 'No, you should just stay!'”

If you’ll give Jericho a Clinelle product, what would it be?

“Sunblock because he surfs a lot.”

The Clinelle Professional Care is a ph-balanced skin care range that has been tested by dermatologists to repair, refine and protect the skin – for clearly visible and long term results. It utilizes cutting-edge research and development from the US to synergize 100% botanical extracts, natural essential oils and vitamins.