Her journey with the disease began in 2015 when she was first diagnosed with invasive breast cancer that had spread to at least one lymph node. Read More
Despite undergoing multiple treatments and surgeries, including a period of remission, the cancer returned.
In 2020, Shannen publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage four breast cancer, a condition where the cancer had metastasized to various parts of her body.
Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty/COS
Over the years, she bravely shared updates about her treatments and challenges, providing insights into her struggles with the disease.
In January 2023, the actor underwent surgery to have a tumor removed from her head because the cancer had spread to her brain.
She shared the development with her fans six months later in June 2023, when she posted a video to Instagram talking about her feelings surrounding the situation.
“My fear is obvious,” she captioned it. “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.”
Her final social media post, a poignant reflection on her ongoing chemotherapy and the uncertainty of her prognosis captured her resilience and vulnerability.
In the video from the Let’s Be Clear podcast, Shannen spoke candidly about the difficult decisions she faced regarding her treatment regimen, acknowledging the fear and hope that coexisted in her journey.
“So, you know, for the first time in I have no idea how long, I’m going to be on chemo for I have no idea if it’s going to be, you know, three months or if it’s going to be six months or if we are going, you know, if after three months if it’s not working if we’re going to change again,” she shared.
Despite the uncertainties, Shannen found a glimmer of hope in the changing molecular structure of her cancer cells, which opened up new treatment possibilities.
Credit: Vera Anderson/WireImage/Getty
This newfound optimism was a source of strength for her amid the challenges she faced.
Yesterday, on July 14, Shannen Doherty’s passing was confirmed by her publicist, who expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the beloved actress.
The statement revealed that Shannen passed away surrounded by loved ones, including her dog Bowie, after bravely fighting the disease for many years.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane said in a statement to People.
As her family mourns her loss, they have requested privacy to grieve and remember Shannen in peace.
