Handler Handles Cancer
- Chelsea Handler, 45, shared a video on Instagram for #NoBraDay to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- The comedian’s mom died of breast cancer in 2006.
- Handler has spotlighted the disease over the years and even hosted Shannen Doherty on her show in 2016 to discuss her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
In the video, it appears Handler is going out into the world sans not only her bra but shirt, too!
Read MoreKicking Cancer’s Butt
It’s no secret to her fans that the Chelsea Lately star loves posing in, well, very little clothes. She caught a lot of attention and made people smile with her funny face-mask bikini recently while talking about the benefits of taking care of your body.
She is one for powering through during tough times. Handler wrote: “One day I started to cry in a workout, and he sat with me and talked it through, and helped me with a situation I had to deal with.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEe0BHmJFIS/
And just last year, Handler shared a silly, sexy selfie on her Instagram account to promote cancer research. She wrote, “Will always take advantage of an opportunity to take pictures in my underwear. Love my new @thekitundergarments – 3% of proceeds this month will be donated to Cancer research so check them out #kitstokickcancer”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xc8siJ6JK/
Handler Shines a Spotlight on Cancer
While the star is known for her snarky quips, she revealed a softer side to her fans, when discussing cancer. This was especially evident when she had her friend, actress, Shannen Doherty, 49, as a guest on her Netflix show in 2016.
At the time, Doherty was fighting her first bout of cancer, which later went into remission. Her cancer returned earlier this year, and she is currently fighting stage four breast cancer. Doherty appeared on Handler’s show alongside an oncologist, Dr. Lawrence Piro.
She joked with Doherty, “It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, are you aware of that?” Doherty laughed and said she was.
Doherty told Handler, “I think what's beautiful and hard and interesting about cancer is that it tears you down and builds you, and tears you down and builds you.” She spoke at length about her treatment plan and her frustrations with her surgery being initially delayed.
In the interview, Handler became noticeably emotional when Doherty spoke about her cancer, and Doherty pointed to Handler and said lovingly, “Don’t cry!” Having lost her mom to the disease, after such a long battle, Handler knows the pain of a breast cancer fight and a breast cancer loss.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer metastasizes, meaning it spreads to other parts of the body. Handler’s friend, Doherty, is currently fighting this disease. Treatment plans vary by patient and are primarily focused on shrinking tumors while also preserving the patient’s quality of life.
There have been advancements in treatments over the past year, which is good news for those battling stage four breast cancer. Dr. Elizabeth Komen tells SurvivorNet that targeted therapies and chemotherapy are used for treatment, and that there are “Lots of different ways of thinking about how we treat Stage IV breast cancer that it isn’t just about living, but living well.”
An Overview of Treatment Options for Advanced Breast Cancer
Helping Loved Ones Fight the Disease
Chelsea remains a noble advocate for raising awareness around breast cancer. And she’s also been a good friend to Doherty when she was first fighting the disease in 2016.
Doherty said in an Instagram post: “And then there is this lady…. @chelseahandler We met many many years ago. Have run into each other and always exchanged numbers, talked of plans etc. Chelsea reached out and has since, made a point to have date nights with me on a weekly basis. Yeah she’s funny but also wicked smart with a huge heart. This one just wants to make a difference. Sometimes the right people come into your life at the right time.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL6Ul_TDb3g/?utm_source=ig_embed
The support of friends and community is a big help when fighting a breast cancer diagnosis (or, any cancer diagnosis). It’s commendable that Handler has often used her big voice (literal and figurative) to bring awareness to this disease, which cut short her mom’s life.
And while Handler surely misses her late mom, Rita, one could imagine that her mom would be awfully proud of the work she is doing, and how she is helping cancer patients know: You are not alone.
The Benefit of Support Networks for Cancer Patients
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
