The vivacious star of Modern Family, Sofia Vergara, opened up about being diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago and how she adjusted her lifestyle to deal with hypothyroidism.

Vergara sat down with The Huffington Post to talk about the scary diagnosis she received back in 2000.

I was 28 years old, my son was really young so it was really scary, you know, when they tell you the word cancer. Of course it brought me down to earth to realize the important things.

Vergara went through radiation treatments and had her thyroid removed to get rid of the cancer, but now she lives with hypothyroidism a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to release the hormones needed to regulate vital body functions.

This forced the actress to be more diligent about her health. Vergara must take a pill every day to replace those necessary hormones. She also goes for a check-up every 3-6 months for blood tests.

Vergara said, I started taking more care of my body, to be more healthyI believe its all about taking control of it [hypothyroidism].

In April, Vergara also talked with FOX News about her involvement with the awareness campaign, Follow the Script.

Vergara told her personal story of how, at the time she was diagnosed, information about the thyroid and hypothyroidism wasnt as readily available as it is today.

Follow the Script provides overwhelmed patients with a wealth of knowledge, tips, and procedures to handle hypothyroidism. It also provides a place for people to connect and share their stories.

Vergara said about her proactive lifestyle, You realize that no matter how much beauty, money, success you have if you dont have health, you have nothing, because you cant do anything.

See more here:

Sofia Vergara talks about thyroid cancer diagnosis, living with hypothyroidism