Shannen Doherty Reveals ‘Miracle’ Update in Her Ongoing Fight Against Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Actress Shannen Doherty attends the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) event at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sep. 9, 2016. Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Shannen Doherty, renowned for her roles in “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” recently shared a positive health update in her ongoing battle against stage four breast cancer, which has also spread to her brain and bones.

During a recent episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear,“ the 52-year-old actress discussed a new cancer infusion treatment she is undergoing, referring to it as a ”miracle.”

“After four treatments, we didn’t really see a difference, and everybody wanted me to switch, and I just was like: ‘We’re gonna keep going with this and see.’”

In her podcast, Ms. Doherty noted when she saw a change in the treatment.

“After the sixth, seventh treatment we really saw it breaking down the blood-brain barrier. Do I call that a miracle? Yeah. For me, that happens to be a miracle right now. That I sort of rolled the dice and said, ‘Let’s keep going.’”

Ms. Doherty also mentioned undergoing radiation therapy, acknowledging concerns about potential side effects such as changes in mood, cognition, and memory.

Blood-Brain Barrier

Medical experts, including board-certified neurologist Dr. Leah Croll, highlighted the difficulty in treating brain tumors due to the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer within blood vessels in the brain crucial for maintaining its function, says the Cleveland Clinic.

Speaking to Good Morning America, Dr. Croll noted the difficulties providers face: “Many of the chemotherapeutic agents that we have available to us actually do not cross that blood-brain barrier, which makes treating brain tumors a real challenge.”

In her podcast, Ms. Doherty emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook during cancer treatment. She and her oncologist, Dr. Amin Mirhadi, delved into the significance of a positive mindset for both mental and physical health in the face of the illness.

“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. I’m just not done,' Ms. Doherty said on the podcast.

Cancer Battle

Ms. Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and entered remission in 2017 after undergoing a unilateral mastectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

In 2020, the cancer returned, and she said it had spread to her brain, leading to a surgical procedure and radiation. Still, the cancer spread to her bones, prompting ongoing treatment and the exploration of clinical trials.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., stage four breast cancer is not curable but is treatable and may respond to treatments and therapy to help patients live longer.

Ms. Doherty initiated her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear,” as a live memoir podcast, providing insights into her cancer journey. Despite the challenges, she says she remains hopeful and embraces each day positively, emphasizing the uncertainty of life and the need to focus on the present.

“Hope is always there. I can die today, I can die in 20 years, I don’t know. I can die walking outside of my house and a tree falling on me or a bus hitting me or whatever. Or I can die of cancer.”

U.S. actress Shannen Doherty attends the FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, Calif., on Aug. 7, 2019. Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Doctors recommend regular breast cancer screenings, maintaining that early detection of breast cancer and access to advanced cancer treatments are critical strategies in reducing breast cancer-related mortality.

The American Cancer Society has established screening guidelines for breast cancer, excluding those with personal or familial history, genetic mutations (like BRCA gene), or chest radiation therapy before age 30.

For women aged 40 to 44, it’s suggested to consider a mammogram every year. Women between 45 and 54 are recommended to have a mammogram every year. Women aged 55 and older can switch to having a mammogram every two years or keep one yearly. Screening should continue if the woman is healthy and expected to live for at least 10 more years. Clinical breast exams are not advised for breast cancer screening in average-risk women, regardless of age.

For women at high risk due to certain factors, it’s advised to have a breast MRI and mammogram every year, starting at age 30. This applies to women with a lifetime risk of breast cancer over 20 percent to 25 percent, based on family history or specific conditions.

High-risk factors include a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, a first-degree relative with such a mutation, chest radiation before age 30, or certain syndromes.

However, the American Cancer Society doesn’t recommend MRI screening for women with a lifetime risk below 15 percent. For those with a higher risk based on factors like a personal history of breast cancer or dense breasts, the evidence isn’t clear on yearly MRI screening.

If used, MRI should complement, not replace, a mammogram, as it may miss some cancers that a mammogram could detect. Decisions about MRI and mammogram screenings for high-risk women starting at age 30 should be made collaboratively with healthcare providers, considering individual circumstances and preferences and ensuring ongoing health assessments.