'Boy Meets World' alum Danielle Fishel shares breast cancer diagnosis

'Boy Meets World' alum Danielle Fishel shares breast cancer diagnosis

Danielle Fishel, best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the beloved sitcom *Boy Meets World*, recently revealed her battle with breast cancer. In an emotional episode of her podcast *Pod Meets World*, which she co-hosts with fellow *Boy Meets World* alums Rider Strong and Will Friedle, Fishel shared the news with her listeners. The 43-year-old actress explained that she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a form of breast cancer, and spoke candidly about her experience.

Fishel began the podcast episode by expressing the importance of being open with her fans and fellow co-hosts. “So, I would like to share something with our listeners, something that Rider and Will were actually two of the first people I told the news to,” she said. Fishel then revealed that she was diagnosed with DCIS, a type of breast cancer that is often referred to as stage 0. “It is very, very, very early. It’s technically stage 0,” she continued, reassuring her listeners that her prognosis is positive.

DCIS is a non-invasive or pre-invasive breast cancer, meaning it hasn’t spread beyond the milk ducts into surrounding breast tissue. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 5 new breast cancers are DCIS, and nearly all women diagnosed with this condition can be cured. Fishel’s specific diagnosis is high-grade DCIS with microinvasion, meaning the cancer is slightly more aggressive and has a small risk of spreading. The microinvasion aspect of her diagnosis indicates that the invasive part of the tumor is less than or equal to 1 millimeter in size, according to the National Institute of Health.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Fishel remains optimistic and focused on her recovery. “I’m going to be fine. I’m having surgery to remove it,” she assured listeners. While she still faces some important decisions regarding follow-up treatments, Fishel’s early diagnosis gives her a strong chance of full recovery. “I’ve had to make a lot of decisions over the last couple of days,” she shared, highlighting the whirlwind of emotions and choices that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Fishel’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of regular health screenings. The actress emphasized that the only reason her cancer was detected at such an early stage was because she stayed on top of her annual mammograms. “The only reason I caught this cancer when it is still stage 0 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.”

One of Fishel’s main motivations for sharing her diagnosis is to encourage others to prioritize their health and get regular screenings. “I hope that it will encourage anyone to get in there. If it’s time for your appointment, if you’ve never had an appointment before, get in there,” she urged. Early detection is key in treating breast cancer, and Fishel’s experience underscores how routine checkups can save lives.

Fishel’s co-hosts, Rider Strong and Will Friedle, offered their unwavering support during the episode. They praised their friend for her bravery in sharing such a personal and difficult experience. The trio, who have maintained a close bond since their days on *Boy Meets World*, displayed the same camaraderie and friendship that endeared them to fans in the 1990s.

Throughout her journey, Fishel has had the support of her family, including her husband Jensen Karp and their two young sons, Adler and Keaton. Balancing her health, career, and family life has undoubtedly been challenging, but Fishel remains determined to face whatever lies ahead. She acknowledged that she still has some big decisions to make regarding her treatment, but she’s taking everything one step at a time. “If you have to find out you have cancer, find out when it’s at stage 0, if possible,” she said, reiterating the importance of early detection.

Fishel’s openness about her breast cancer diagnosis is a testament to her resilience and her desire to use her platform to help others. By sharing her experience, she’s not only raising awareness about breast cancer but also providing comfort and solidarity to others who may be going through similar challenges. Her message is clear: take control of your health, get regular checkups, and don’t be afraid to face difficult situations head-on.