Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer, which may be distressing to some readers.
Danielle Fishel has disclosed her diagnosis of breast cancer.
The 43-year-old actress gained popularity for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the cherished ’90s sitcom Boy Meets World, which was on air for seven years from 1993 to 2000.
She later returned to her iconic role in a Disney+ reboot titled Girl Meets World, which aired from 2014 to 2017.
During the most recent episode of her podcast, Pod Meets World, which she co-hosts with former co-stars Will Friedle and Rider Strong (who portrayed Eric Matthews and Shawn Hunter, respectively), Fishel shared an update on her health, revealing her recent cancer diagnosis.
“I was recently diagnosed with DCIS, which stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, which is a form of breast cancer,” she announced at the start of the podcast episode. “It is very, very, very early. It’s technically stage zero.”
“I’m going to be fine. I’m having surgery to remove it,” she continued. “I’m going to be on some follow-up treatment. I’ve had to make a lot of decisions over the last couple of days.”
Fishel elaborated that she was initially hesitant to share her diagnosis but ultimately chose to speak out to encourage others to make proactive health decisions.
“The only reason I caught this cancer when it is still stage zero is because the day I got my text message that my yearly mammogram had come up, I made the appointment,” she said, emphasizing the importance of timely mammograms.
The American Cancer Society identifies ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) as typically being stage 0 breast cancer. This means the cancer cells remain contained within the ducts and haven’t spread to surrounding tissue.
The organization explains, “About 1 in 5 new breast cancers will be ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Nearly all women with this early stage of breast cancer can be cured.”
Treatment often involves either breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or a simple mastectomy, usually followed by radiation after BCS.
Mammography, or breast cancer screening, is typically the best method for early detection of these cells.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and seek confidential support, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.