Danielle Fishel's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

American actress Danielle Fishel was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), otherwise known as stage 0 breast cancer, in 2024. She was best known for her role as Toponga Lawrence on the 1993 hit sitcom ‘Boy Meets World’. Fishel first revealed her diagnosis on her podcast ‘Pod Meets World’, which she co-hosts with her former ‘Boy Meets World’ costars.

Fishel initially did not want to make her diagnosis known to the public. In an interview with People magazine, she shared "When I was trying to make the decision about whether or not I wanted to talk about it publicly, my first instinct was to just keep it quiet, not tell anybody and just get through it.”

However, after realising that she could use her diagnosis to raise awareness on breast cancer, she ultimately went public with it. "I hopefully could use my own experience to be able to encourage other people to go and get their regular check-ups cause had I put mine off, it may not have been stage 0. It may not have been DCIS. It could've been invasive cancer. And I'm so grateful that I prioritized my health and said, 'I'm gonna go and have this mammogram.' And it changed my life."

Fishel was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer (also known as DCIS) during a routine mammogram. DCIS is a pre-invasive or non-invasive form of breast cancer which is confined to the milk ducts. It generally has a positive outlook, with survival rates being extremely high.

Learn more: A Comprehensive Overview of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Fishel shared that she underwent surgery and radiation therapy. While she initially considered undergoing a double mastectomy, she eventually decided to follow her doctor’s advice and underwent a lumpectomy instead. She had the surgery done in August 2024, after which she underwent another margin revision surgery in September 2024. Post-surgery, Fishel also underwent 20 rounds of radiation therapy.

Fishel reflected that post-treatment, she had to readjust to her new body. She shared "I notice a difference in the way I physically look. Aside from just two incisions, I can tell that I've had tissue removed from my breast ... So I have a lot of blessings, but I’m also leaving room and space for myself to mourn some of the things that I've lost.”

Following her treatment, Fishel had another mammogram done. She was relieved that the results came back clear and that no cancer was found. However, she also mentioned that she would likely have to undergo hormone therapy for “at least five years” as she looks to keep her cancer in remission.

Despite her life having changed after her cancer diagnosis, Fishel has remained positive. She shared "I am thrilled to be alive and I'm thrilled that my cancer was found early. Finding time for health screenings is not always easy, but it's kind of like one of our family values that we don't put those things off. So I made the appointment."

She has also been advocating for breast cancer screening and early detection. She shared "Being able to say to your friends and family, ‘I love you, your wellness matters. I want you to be healthy. Have you made your appointments?’ actually makes a difference. So, even if you don't know me personally, consider me like a friend or a family member gently reminding you to take your health into your own hands."

Fishel is also now starring in the hit dance competition ‘Dancing with the Stars’. ”I'm going through every day, performing tasks and being there for my family and being there for work. Where's the fun? When they asked me to do (Dancing with the Stars), I was like, ‘This is the perfect way to cap it off,'" she shared.

Fishel’s story and cancer journey serves as an important reminder for women to undergo regular check-ups and screening for breast cancer. When caught early, breast cancer is highly curable.