In a candid revelation, Shannen Doherty opens up about her ongoing battle with Stage 4 breast cancer, spreading to her bones, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The iconic actress, renowned for her roles in ’90s hits like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, is resilient and determined to continue living life to the fullest despite her health challenges.
Doherty, now 52, remains remarkably candid, upbeat, and dry-witted about her journey with cancer. The actress emphasizes her unwavering commitment to life, love, and creativity. “I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better,” she asserts, underlining her indomitable spirit.
The actress, who first shared her breast cancer diagnosis with PEOPLE in 2015, underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. In 2017, she celebrated a period of remission, but the cancer returned in 2019, and she revealed her metastatic stage 4 diagnosis the following year.
Reflecting on her journey, Doherty delves into the profound questions that a cancer diagnosis brings. “When you ask yourself, ‘Why me? Why did I get cancer?’ and then ‘Why did my cancer come back? Why am I stage 4?,’ that leads you to look for the bigger purpose in life,” she shares.
Doherty’s forthcoming podcast, Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty, premiering on December 6 on iHeartRadio, will explore various aspects of her life, from career highlights and past relationships to the different stages of her illness and health regimens. Through her podcast, she aims to raise awareness, funds for cancer research, and challenge the notion that people with terminal cancer can’t contribute significantly to the world.
Despite the challenges, Doherty remains hopeful and determined to get into clinical trials for new treatments. She emphasizes the need for a cure, expressing disbelief that it is still elusive. In June, Doherty disclosed that the cancer had spread to her brain, prompting surgery to remove a brain tumor humorously named Bob.
Her resilience is evident in her desire to prove that individuals with a cancer diagnosis can still work and contribute meaningfully. “We’re vibrant, and we have such a different outlook on life,” she states. “We are people who want to work and embrace life and keep moving forward.”
Grateful for each day, Doherty finds solace in her friends, family, and her German shepherd Bowie. Her faith and spirituality play a significant role in navigating the challenges, with prayer becoming a daily ritual. “I know it sounds cheesy and crazy, but you’re just more aware of everything, and you feel so blessed,” she concluded.
To hear Doherty open up more about her battle with the horrible disease, check out the video below.
