Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Shannen Doherty shares a heartbreaking health update, revealing that her breast cancer has spread to her brain. Doherty has been very open about her health battles since she was first diagnosed in 2015. The actor went into remission two years later, following a single mastectomy and chemotherapy. But sadly, in 2020, the Heathers star announced that the cancer had returned as stage 4.
On June 6, Doherty posted a video of her recent radiation treatment which took place in January 2023. Doherty shared in the caption of the video that the CT scan showed that the cancer had spread to her brain. Doherty wrote that her fear was obvious and that there was a lot going on in her life. She thanked her doctor and the care that she was receiving, but added "that fear.. The turmoil... the timing of it all.. This is what cancer can look like."
Doherty received a lot of support on her Instagram post from fans, collaborators, and friends. Kevin Smith, who directed Doherty in Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, said that he was rooting for the actor and added that she was a fearless fighter. Smith continued: "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." These sentiments were echoed by several commentators, who thanked Doherty for being open about her health struggles.
Actor Selma Blair wrote that it was "a lot to take on, still again" and wished for Doherty to find "wise peace" in the "terror moments." Sarah Michelle Gellar also voiced her support for Doherty, stating "You are a Warrior." She has been met with support from other friends and colleagues as well.
For a lot of people with fond memories of Doherty from the 1990s and 2000s, whether it was as Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills, 90210, or as Prue Halliwell in Charmed, not to mention her performances in influential films like Heathers and Mallrats, Doherty brought joy and solace to viewers through her embodiment of singular characters. Many of those same viewers are now sending Doherty well-wishes and keeping her in their thoughts.
Source: Shannen Doherty