Shannen Doherty reveals breast cancer has metastasized to her brain

Actress Shannen Doherty Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis Has Spread to Her Brain

On Tuesday, actor Shannen Doherty posted an emotional video on Instagram where she revealed to her fans that her breast cancer had metastasized to her brain. Doherty was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2020. The Beverly Hills, 90210 actor underwent radiation therapy for her brain while wearing a custom-made mask to keep her head still and ensure that radiation lasers were precisely targeted. She wrote on Instagram that a CT scan taken on January 5th revealed she had brain metastases. She underwent the first round of radiation treatment on January 12th at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The Harrowing Experience

In her post, Doherty wrote, “My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life…But that fear…. The turmoil….. the timing of it all…. This is what cancer can look like.” Doherty’s bout with cancer began in 2015 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a year, the cancer cells had spread to her lymph nodes, resulting in her undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. As of 2017, Doherty had no evidence of the disease (NED), meaning there was no cancer detected in her body at the time. Her tumour markers, the substances made by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer, remained “elevated.”

Importance of Cancer Awareness

Doherty has consistently used her social media platforms to raise awareness about breast cancer. In an Instagram post published during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2021), she encouraged her followers to get mammograms, undergo regular checkups, and overcome their fears to confront cancer.

Shannen Doherty’s public profile and transparency regarding her battle with cancer have provided a great help to people fighting cancer, those who have survived it, and their families.

The Philosophy of Life and Cancer

Shannen Doherty’s story raises philosophical questions about life, morality, and the inevitability of facing one’s fears. Facing death can help illuminate our values and provide a new perspective on what is truly important in life. Doherty’s attitude towards her cancer and how she has dealt with it is inspirational. Her story is not only about fighting cancer, but also about how to live fully while fighting for life.

Advice to Readers

The best way to deal with cancer is to detect it early, call up medical professionals if you notice any signs of cancer, and get help as soon as possible. It is important to overcome your fear and apprehension about cancer and to be open with your doctors, so that they can help you. Additionally, the support provided by family, friends, and survivors is crucial for coping with cancer and its consequences.

Finally, it is important to remember that cancer is not a death sentence, and individuals can fight it successfully, live full lives, and find meaning in the midst of personal turmoil.