Shannen Doherty has been forced to reveal that she has breast cancer – and that she could have been diagnosed earlier if she'd been able to receive medical care. The actress, who is best known for her roles in Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210, released a statement.
"Yes, I have breast cancer, and I am currently undergoing treatment," Shannen told People. "I am continuing to eat right, exercise and stay very positive about my life. I am thankful to my family, friends and doctors for their support and, of course, my fans who have stood by me."
The 44-year-old star also reached out to her followers on Twitter, writing, "Just know.... I love you all."
Shannen Doherty was diagnosed with cancer in March
Shannen was forced to disclose her illness after TMZ published legal documents, showing that the actress was suing her former business manager for failing to pay the premium on her health insurance.
Her insurance was therefore cancelled, meaning that Shannen did not visit the doctors or go for a check up as she was not covered.
The 44-year-old and her husband Kurt Iswarienko are suing their financial management company
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015, the lawsuit revealed, but the cancer had spread in 2014 when she was uninsured.
The lawsuit stated that "had [Shannen] been insured and able to visit her doctor, the cancer could potentially have been stopped, thus obviating the need for future treatment (including mastectomy and chemotherapy) that [Shannen] will likely have to suffer through now."
It went on to state that the actress has been unable to work since the diagnosis and has incurred "significant" medical expenses.
Shannen is best known for her roles in Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210
Her husband Kurt Iswarienko is also suing financial management company Tanner Mainstain Glynn & Johnson for mismanaging the couple's money, and reportedly leading to further money troubles.
A lawyer representing the company responded with a statement, writing: "Tanner Mainstain is saddened to learn that Ms. Doherty is suffering from cancer and wishes her a full recovery.
"However, the claim that Tanner Mainstain caused her to be uninsured, prevented her from seeking medical care, or somehow contributed to her cancer is patently false. Tanner Mainstain will aggressively defend all of Ms. Doherty’s claims in court."