Shannen Doherty's Ongoing Breast Cancer Battle and Advocacy

Shannen Doherty's Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

In 2015, actress Shannen Doherty revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Doherty shared that the cancer was found after she had a mammogram that indicated she had an abnormality in one of her breasts. This led to further testing that confirmed it was cancer.

Doherty's Cancer Journey Begins

Doherty has said that after the initial breast cancer diagnosis, she underwent a single mastectomy in May 2016 to remove the cancer. She also underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments over the next year to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back.

Despite the grueling treatments, Doherty continued to work and began rebuilding her life after finishing chemotherapy in January 2017. However, in February 2020 she revealed that the cancer had returned and this time had reached stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Battling Advanced Breast Cancer

Upon finding out her cancer was more advanced Doherty had candidly shared that it was a bitter pill to swallow. She knew that she still had more fighting to do. Though advanced breast cancer has no known cure currently, treatments focus on stopping or slowing its spread.

Doherty has shared that she underwent challenging treatments in an attempt to control her cancer. This included hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy, and several rounds of chemotherapy. She has posted about the physical and emotional struggles of battling advanced cancer.

Using Her Platform to Raise Awareness

Amidst her own health challenges, Doherty has been outspoken about the need for more education, awareness, and funding around metastatic breast cancer. She has used her notoriety to highlight that stage 4 diagnosis is very different from early stage breast cancers.

Doherty has been applauded for showing the realities about living with advanced cancer. She continues to publicly share details about her personal journey as well as information to help support others facing breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Rates Among Celebrities

Shannen Doherty is one of several famous actresses and celebrities who have shared their experiences battling breast cancer. Many have used their stories to raise awareness about the disease that affects 1 in 8 U.S. women.

Other Celebrities with Breast Cancer

Some of the other celebrities whove had breast cancer include Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Christina Applegate, Olivia Newton-John, Sheryl Crow, Cynthia Nixon, and Suzanne Somers. Additionally, Melissa Etheridge, Wanda Sykes, and Vanessa Bell Calloway have also been outspoken about their breast cancer journeys.

These women have all used their platforms to educate others about breast health, cancer screenings, and early detection. Some have promoted better funding and research around metastatic breast cancer as well.

Increase in Young Women Being Diagnosed

Many breast cancer cases occur in women over 40 or 50 years old. However, some celebrities like Kelly Pickler, Samantha Harris, and Jennie Garth were diagnosed in their 30s. This points to an alarming rise in younger women being diagnosed in recent years.

Bringing attention to early-onset breast cancer cases can help younger women recognize symptoms and get checked out sooner. Celebrities sharing their diagnosis stories furthers awareness around risks for all demographics.

Shannen Doherty's Cancer Battle Continues

Now into her 4th year living with metastatic breast cancer, Shannen Doherty continues to receive various treatments to try controlling her disease. She uses her iconic status to advocate for and inspire others facing breast cancer.

Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Causes

Doherty has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to raise money for education and research around breast cancer. She also took part in the 2022 BCRF Hot Pink Party which generated funds and awareness.

Doherty said these efforts are aimed at creating a world without breast cancer. By lending her fame to fundraising campaigns, she helps drive further progress in understanding and treating breast cancer.

Symbol of Strength and Perseverance

Despite her own prognosis, Doherty's openness and honesty about battling metastatic breast cancer has made her an inspiration. She has proven her tremendous inner strength and resilience through every obstacle shes endured.

Doherty remains committed to living her life fully while continuing to educate and support others diagnosed with breast cancer. She shines a spotlight on an experience that many are reluctant to talk about publicly due to the stigma sometimes associated with the disease.

Many battling breast cancer find encouragement in seeing Doherty's perseverance. She reminds us that we all have an inner strength within us to push forward in life's difficulties.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.