Shannen Doherty's Battle: How a Health Insurance Lapse Impacted Her Cancer Journey.

Shannen Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.Photo byNeilson Barnard

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Shannen Doherty: A Voice for Cancer Awareness

"Beverly Hills, 90210" star Shannen Doherty had, in recent years, become an outspoken advocate for cancer awareness and treatment. She spoke openly about her diagnosis and plans for after her death. As recently as April, she expressed hope about potential medical treatments that could "prolong" her life.

In her podcast, Doherty revealed that she had taken time to "take stock of my life and shift my priorities," focusing on downsizing, decluttering, and spending more time with her mom "just in case."

A Tragic Loss

On Saturday, July 13, Shannen Doherty passed away "surrounded by her loved ones." Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news with a heavy heart, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease."

Related: Iconic Actress Shannen Doherty Passes Away at 53 After Brave Cancer Battle.

The Cancer Journey

• Initial Diagnosis (2015): Doherty was first diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer.
• Remission (2017): She went into remission.
• Rediagnosis (2019): Doherty was rediagnosed with metastatic stage 4 breast cancer, the most advanced form of the disease.
• Spread to Bones (2023): She shared that her cancer had spread into her bones but remained determined to live.

The Missed Diagnosis and Health Insurance Lapse

Shannen Doherty's cancer journey was complicated by a missed diagnosis and a lapse in health insurance coverage. In 2015, she sued her former accounting firm, Tanner Mainstain Glynn and Johnson, alleging they failed to pay her health insurance premium to the Screen Actors Guild in late 2013, causing her health coverage to lapse in 2014. This lapse prevented her from seeking medical care earlier, potentially delaying her cancer diagnosis.

According to her lawsuit, by the time Doherty received her cancer diagnosis in early 2015, she had "invasive breast cancer metastatic to at least one lymph node." She argued that with insurance and earlier medical visits, her cancer might have been detected sooner, possibly preventing the need for aggressive treatments such as mastectomy and chemotherapy. The matter was settled confidentially in 2016.

Shannen Doherty died at the age of 53.Photo byCBS Photo Archive/Getty

Would an Earlier Mammogram Have Helped?

Early detection of breast cancer significantly increases survival rates, which is why the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women over 40. Given Doherty was 44 in 2015, it's likely her doctor would have recommended a screening that year. While early detection could have changed the course of her treatment, no statistic can predict individual outcomes with certainty.

Doherty's Final Wishes

Shannen Doherty recently shared with her best friend that she wanted to be cremated and have her ashes mixed with those of her beloved dog and father.

Conclusion

Shannen Doherty's tragic journey underscores the critical importance of regular health screenings and continuous health insurance coverage. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of missed medical care and the value of early detection in cancer treatment.

Source:

• Business Insider