Late Shannen Doherty’s Heartfelt Insights on Her Cancer Journey Before Passing

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, actress Shannen Doherty passed away at the age of 53 after a brave nine-year fight with breast cancer. Known for her iconic roles in Heathers (1988), Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990 to 1994), and Charmed (1998 to 2001), Shannen left an indelible mark on Hollywood. We have compiled some of her most honest and revealing quotes about her battle with cancer to honor her legacy. Here’s a look at her poignant reflections.

Doherty first learned she had breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 44. She told PEOPLE, “I have breast cancer, and I am currently undergoing treatment. I am continuing to eat right, exercise, and stay very positive about my life. I am thankful to my family, friends, and doctors for their support and, of course, my fans who have stood by me.”

During the subsequent nine years, Doherty shared her struggles and triumphs over cancer. Speaking to PEOPLE, she remarked how people often prematurely assume that life ends with a cancer diagnosis.

“People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work. They put you out to pasture at a very early age — ‘You’re done, you’re retired,’ and we’re not,” Doherty said. She emphasized that her experience with cancer led her to reevaluate and change her “outlook on life.”

In 2020, Doherty bravely revealed on Good Morning America that her cancer had returned after her remission in 2017, and it was now at stage four.

“It’s going to come out in a matter of days or a week that I’m stage 4. So my cancer came back, and that’s why I’m here. I don’t think I’ve processed it. It’s a bitter pill to swallow in a lot of ways,” she shared. Her openness garnered immense support from fans and admirers for her candid approach to her diagnosis.

On June 6, 2023, Shannen shared another heartbreaking update on Instagram, revealing that the cancer had spread to her brain. She wrote, “On January 5th, my ct scan showed Mets in my brain. Yesterday’s 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. My fear is obvious.”

She candidly discussed her struggle with claustrophobia and the overwhelming circumstances she was facing. “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.”

Shannen also shared a video of the brain scan, offering a raw glimpse into her journey.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtKfA9QLdDm/

Just over a week later, she updated her followers about her surgery to remove a brain tumor, which she had named Bob. She wrote on Instagram, “January 16, 2023. Surgery. I had a tumor in my head they wanted to remove and also biopsy. I am clearly trying to be brave but I am petrified. The fear was overwhelming to me. Scared of all possible bad outcomes worried about leaving my mom and how that would impact her. Worried that I would come out of surgery not me anymore. This is what cancer can look like.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cte0OQPOpM9/

May Shannen Doherty rest in peace.