Shannen Doherty Delivers Devastating Cancer Update In Vulnerable Look At Treatment

Actor Shannen Doherty has gotten vulnerable in her latest breast cancer update. It's been nearly a decade since Doherty opened up about her breast cancer, spurred by a lawsuit against her former management, according to Entertainment Weekly. Doherty claimed that her former representatives denied her medical coverage, which could've allowed her to catch her cancer during earlier stages. The filing said, "Had she been insured and able to visit her doctor, the cancer could potentially have been stopped, thus obviating the need for the future treatment (including mastectomy and chemotherapy) that Plaintiff will likely have to suffer through now." 

Unfortunately, Doherty wasn't able to avoid a series of emotionally challenging, invasive treatments, which she's heavily documented in an effort to spread cancer awareness. In addition to undergoing chemotherapy, Doherty has also had surgery and attempted hormone therapy. In 2017, Doherty revealed that her breast cancer was improving, and had gone into remission. This positive turn didn't last long, as she revealed on "Good Morning America" in 2020 that her breast cancer had progressed to stage 4 (via People).

Now, Doherty has given another update on her health and it's not good.

Shannen Doherty recently revealed that her cancer has spread with an Instagram video of herself in the hospital. "January 12, 2023. On January 5th, my ct scan showed Mets in my brain," wrote Doherty. "Yesterdays video was showing the process of getting fitted for the mask which you wear during radiation to your brain. January 12, the first round of radiation took place." She continued, "My fear is obvious. I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life. I am fortunate as I have great doctors like Dr Amin Mirahdi and the amazing techs at cedar sinai. But that fear.... The turmoil..... the timing of it all.... This is what cancer can look like."

Since the post went live, Doherty's supporters reached out to offer their support. Director Kevin Smith commented, "Rooting for you, my irreplaceable friend. You have been such a fearless fighter your whole life, so it's understandable to be a little scared from time to time. But when those moments pass, let that indomitable Doherty spirit take over anew. I love you so much, my Mallrat." Another fan tweeted, "I'm heavily praying and wishing and sending so much healing energy to shannen doherty. she's so amazing and she's gone through so much. she is so strong. so strong. i wish her nothing but healing and happiness." 

Leading up to her latest health update, Shannen Doherty has opened up about her journey with cancer. In 2020, Doherty announced that her breast cancer had returned the year prior during an ABC News interview. Doherty then detailed that she acted in the "90210" reboot amid getting this stage 4 cancer diagnosis, which she didn't reveal publicly at that time. "I thought, when I finally do come out, I will have worked," Doherty said. "People can look at that and say, 'Oh my God, yeah, she can work. And other people with stage 4 can work too.' We still have some living to do."

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021, Doherty took to Instagram to post a couple of photos from her times undergoing cancer treatment. The "Heathers" star explained that her goal was to inform followers through the post. "Is it all pretty? NO but it's truthful and my hope in sharing is that we all become more educated, more familiar with what cancer looks like," Doherty wrote. "I hope I encourage people to get mammograms, to get regular checkups, to cut thru the fear and face whatever might be in front of you." Doherty has shared how those close to her have been sources of comfort throughout her experiences.

As Shannen Doherty has continued facing cancer, she's had some loyal people by her side. In December 2022, Doherty posted a photo of herself with a few companions on Instagram. "Friends. Seriously, friends. Like the people that will help you escape type friends. I love each of them so deeply," Doherty wrote. Following her 2023 birthday celebration, Doherty voiced her appreciation for her companions via social media. "Just a few of the memories from last night. I love the people that are in my life so much," Doherty captioned the post. She has also honored her mom in past posts, calling her "a beacon of light, endless well of support and love and one of my favorite humans" on Instagram in 2020.

After her recent Instagram announcement that her cancer had spread, Doherty reposted a selfie on her Instagram Story with another friend of hers, director James Cullen Bressack. "Besties forever," Bressack wrote on his original post. Doherty's announcement was met with many supportive responses, one of which was from her longtime pal Sarah Michelle Gellar. Gellar commented, "You are a warrior." Additionally, Selma Blair said, "This is a lot to take on , still again. And I am wishing for all the wise peace you have learned to find you in the terror moments. To know we are holding you. Love. All love."