Shannen Doherty about cancer in her bones: ‘I'm not afraid of death'

Ever since Shannen Doherty learned about her b r e a s t cancer diagnosis in 2015, she has fought like a warrior to overcome it. But she recently got some more bad news: that the cancer has spread to her bones.

“I am a very spiritual person. So when I am done on this earth, that will be fine, but I'm not anywhere near that. I'm not afraid of death because I know where I'm going, I know the people I will see. I think I would be afraid of death if I wasn't a good person," she told People in a powerful interview.

In June 2023, the 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star revealed that her cancer had spread to her brain, and in November, she told People magazine that it has spread to her bones. Despite this and her courage in the face of death, she remains determined to fight on.

“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,” she told People with a smile. "I’m just not — I’m not done. Like ever."

In the interview, the dynamic 52-year-old actress revealed her focus on the future and her relentless work ethic. On Dec. 6, iHeartRadio rolls out her latest venture, ‘Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty’. Promising insightful perspectives, this podcast mirrors Doherty's indomitable spirit.

Photo: Instagram @theshando

In her podcast, the actress isn't shying away from the tough stuff. She dives into her health battles, reflects on her Hollywood journey, and even dishes on her personal life. This includes touching on her recent split from photographer Kurt Iswarienko, ending their 11-year marriage amid his infidelity.

For Doherty, work isn't just a job; it's a mission. She's fiercely advocating for the recognition that those battling illness still have immense value and contributions to make. "My life up until this point was getting me ready for what God has me here to accomplish - to reach people who have cancer," she told People.

“People don't know a lot about cancer. People just assume that it means you can’t walk, you can’t eat, you can’t work... and we’re not done,” she told the magazine. “We’re vibrant."

Doherty is deeply involved in cancer research fundraising, aligning her career with her personal cancer treatment journey. "I do it because I have a platform and a responsibility," she said.

She says that one of the best ways to get through the struggle is by thinking that within the next few years there will be a new clinical trial or therapy that could be the cure. “It’s insane to me [that] we still don’t have a cure," she said.

Photo: Instagram @theshando

Doherty first got diagnosed with cancer in 2015, undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. In April 2017, she shared the hopeful news of remission.

However, by 2019, the cancer returned, escalating to stage 4 metastatic cancer.

By 2020, it reached her brain and she needed radiation and surgery to get rid of it. Always with a sense of humor, she named the big brain tumor Bob. She explained that the treatment did lead to some brain swelling, which was "scary," but she only lost movement in her hand and the symptoms went away in a few months.

Photo: Instagram @theshando

Despite the increasing difficulties, Doherty cherishes every moment. “I know it sounds cheesy and crazy, but you’re just more aware of everything, and you feel so blessed," she said of those living with cancer.

"My greatest memory is yet to come," she told People. "I pray. I wake up and go to bed thanking God, praying for the things that matter to me without asking for too much. It connects me to a higher power and spirituality. My faith is my mantra.”

Although she said the experience has been very hard, she also said it has been "really beautiful." She said it taught her a lot about people and what really matters.

She urged society to not to put those with cancer "out to pasture" because they have a special outlook on life. "We’re the people who want to work the most, because we’re just so grateful for every second, every hour, every day we get to be here," she told People magazine.

Photo: Instagram @theshando