Doherty's Battles Through Cancer
- Shannen Doherty, 50, writes on Instagram of her “battles” as she fights advanced breast cancer.
- Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after finding a lump in her breast which turned out to be cancerous. In February 2020, her breast cancer returned and had spread to other parts of her body. Treatments for breast cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
- Doherty continues to focus on the good through her cancer battle. Experts say that focusing on the good through cancer can positively impact cancer care outcomes.
View this post on InstagramRead MoreThe 90210 actress, 50, continues, saying, “I've also just been in observation mode. Observing what our world is becoming. What my country is becoming and listening. I do have a lot to say. I have strong opinions on it all, even in the ridiculous cancel culture we live in, I still will always have my own opinion regardless of what others think….”Doherty writes more about cancel culture and the importance of sharing her true feelings. Being vulnerable through a cancer battle, and sharing your authentic self with others, can make the journey easier to bear. Reach out to loved ones during your health journey your tried and true tribe will be there to support you when you need love and support.
Doherty’s Breast Cancer Battle
Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 after finding a lump in her breast which turned out to be cancerous. She had hormone therapy to fight her cancer, but it was ineffective and the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Doherty underwent a single mastectomy and also had chemotherapy and radiation. After going into remission, she announced in February 2020 that her cancer returned, and this time it had spread to other parts of her body.
Related: When Should I Get a Mammogram?
Surgery, like the kind Doherty had (a single mastectomy), is a common treatment path for many people fighting breast cancer. In an earlier interview, an oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute explains the path to surgery.
She says, "So when I talk to a woman who comes to me and she has breast cancer, I evaluate what the standard options for treatment for her are, which typically include cutting out the cancer which is either a lumpectomy if you can get it all with just a little scooping around of the area that's abnormal or a mastectomy for some women meaning taking the full breast because sometimes these lesions can be very extensive in the breast."
When Should You Consider a Mastectomy?
Focusing on the Positive Through Cancer
Doherty has regularly focused on the positive through her cancer battle, highlighting special moments with beloved friends, her pet dog, her photographer husband, and more. We love how authentic Doherty is and continues to be throughout her cancer battle.
Related: Stay Positive, It Matters
Experts say that focusing on the good through cancer can positively impact cancer care outcomes. And leaning on one’s community as well as Doherty does is a great way to stay positive, and focus on all the blessings in your life through a cancer battle. Beverly Reeves, who battled ovarian cancer, spoke with SurvivorNet in an earlier interview and spoke on th importance of surrounding yourself with support through a cancer battle.
'Faith, Family, and Friends' Helped Beverly Reeves Get Through Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
