Danielle Fishel, best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the beloved sitcom Boy Meets World, recently shared a deeply personal and concerning health update. On the August 19 episode of her Boy Meets World rewatch podcast, “Pod Meets World,” which she cohosts with former costars Rider Strong and Will Friedle, Fishel revealed that she has been diagnosed with a form of breast cancer.
Fishel, 43, broke the news to her listeners with a candid and informative discussion about her diagnosis. “I would like to share something with our listeners, something that Rider and Will were two of the first people I told the news to,” she began. “I was recently diagnosed with DCIS, which stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, which is a form of breast cancer. It is very, very, very early. It’s technically stage zero.”
The actress went on to specify that her diagnosis was high-grade DCIS with micro-invasion, meaning that while the cancer cells are still within the breast ducts and haven’t spread into the surrounding tissue, they have shown the potential to become invasive.
Despite the alarming diagnosis, Fishel assured her audience that her prognosis is positive. “I’m going to be fine. I’m having surgery to remove it,” she stated. “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.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, DCIS occurs when cells inside a breast duct begin to multiply excessively due to changes in their DNA. The critical aspect of DCIS, as Fishel highlighted, is that the cancer cells have not yet gained the ability to break out of the breast duct and invade surrounding breast tissue, making it a highly treatable condition if caught early.
Fishel’s decision to share her diagnosis was driven by a desire to encourage others to prioritize their health. She recounted how her timely detection of the cancer was due to her adherence to regular mammogram appointments.
“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 explained. “They found it so, so, so early that I’m going to be fine. I hope it will encourage anyone to get in there.”
She emphasized the importance of early detection, saying, “If you have to find out you have cancer, find out at stage zero if possible.” Her message serves as a crucial reminder for everyone, particularly those who may delay or avoid routine health screenings, to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.
Fishel, who has been a beloved figure in television since her days on Boy Meets World and its spinoff Girl Meets World, is now in the initial stages of her treatment journey. While she is still in the process of making decisions about her treatment plan, including consultations with an oncologist and radiation therapist, she remains optimistic and grounded.
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Addressing her podcast audience, Fishel acknowledged that her treatment might impact the show’s schedule, but reassured fans of her commitment to continue. “I did want to let our dear listeners know,” she said. “We’re going to try and have it not affect things, but [there are] possibilities we may have to put things on hold depending on what treatments I go through.”
Fishel also shared that her husband, Jensen Karp, along with her parents, brother, and her two sons, Adler (5) and Keaton (2), were among the first to know about her diagnosis. Her cohosts, Rider Strong and Will Friedle, expressed their unwavering support during the podcast.
Strong, who portrayed Shawn Hunter on Boy Meets World, remarked on the prevalence of breast cancer, noting that he and his wife currently know four friends who are battling the disease. Friedle, known for his role as Eric Matthews, urged listeners to keep up with their health checks as well, emphasizing that these screenings are crucial for both men and women.
As Fishel faces the challenges ahead, she does so with the love and support of her family, friends, and fans. Her openness about her diagnosis and treatment serves as an important reminder of the power of early detection and the strength found in community support.
