Shannen Doherty Reveals Cancer Has Spread to Her Brain: ‘My Fear Is Obvious’
The News
On June 6, actress Shannen Doherty shared on her personal Instagram account that her breast cancer had spread to her brain. Doherty had first been diagnosed in 2015, and in 2017, went into remission. However, in the winter of 2019, the cancer had returned, spread, and became metastatic stage 4 cancer. Doherty shared that on January 5th, a CT scan showed the presence of cancer in her brain. In a video shared on June 5th, she shared her hospital stay and the fitting of a mask, which is a part of radiation therapy. In a follow-up post the next day, Doherty revealed that the first round of radiation had taken place on January 12, 2023.
The Impact
Doherty’s announcement of her cancer diagnosis and its progression highlights the continued struggle and often unpredictable nature of cancer. Although medical research and treatment for cancer have advanced significantly in recent years, no cure exists for the disease. For patients already struggling with the physical and emotional effects of cancer, the news of further progression can be discouraging, overwhelming, and bring about heightened fears and anxieties.
Doherty’s experience is particularly noteworthy for bringing attention to the practical difficulties that many individuals diagnosed with cancer face, such as health insurance and access to affordable treatment. In a 2021 interview with Variety, Doherty expressed her concerns about the risk of losing her health insurance and the importance of actors’ unions in providing benefits for their members. Her experience highlights the need for continued advocacy and legal action to improve access to affordable health care for individuals battling cancer.
Editorial
The announcement of Doherty’s cancer update provides an opportunity to reflect on the broader issues surrounding cancer treatment and the need for improvements to cancer care. Despite continued efforts and advances in medical research, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 10 million people dying from cancer in 2020 alone.
As a society, we must continue to advocate for increased funding for cancer research, access to affordable cancer treatments, and support for individuals and families impacted by cancer. A collective effort is needed to improve cancer care and support systems, not just for the physical aspects of cancer and its treatment but also to address the emotional and financial burdens that come with a cancer diagnosis.
Advice
It is essential to prioritize regular health check-ups and to seek medical attention if you have any worrying symptoms or concerns about your health. Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and outcomes.
Furthermore, it is important for governments to provide access to affordable health care for all citizens, regardless of economic status, to ensure people can access life-saving treatments and care. As individuals and as a society, we must work towards recognizing the importance of cancer awareness, education, prevention, and treatment to address the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of this illness.
<< photo by Ivan Samkov >>
