Danielle Fishel Opens Up About Breast Cancer Diagnosis: “I’m Going to Be Fine”

Danielle Fishel, best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on the beloved ’90s sitcom Boy Meets World, has revealed her recent diagnosis of breast cancer. The actress shared the news on the Monday episode of her podcast Pod Meets World, which she co-hosts with former co-stars Will Friedle and Rider Strong.

A Diagnosis of DCIS

Fishel, 43, disclosed that she has been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a form of breast cancer that is in its earliest stage. “It is very, very, very early. It’s technically stage zero,” she explained, expressing a positive outlook on her situation.

DCIS, which stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, is not life-threatening, but it does increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer later in life. According to Breastcancer.org, about 20% to 25% of new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are DCIS.

Fishel shared that her specific diagnosis is “high-grade DCIS with micro-invasion,” meaning that while the cancer is still in its early stages, it has shown signs of potentially spreading.

Danielle Fishel’s Diagnosis	Details
Type of Cancer	Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Stage	Stage Zero
Specifics	High-grade DCIS with micro-invasion
Risk	Increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer later

The Importance of Early Detection

Fishel emphasized the importance of early detection in her diagnosis. “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. Her prompt action allowed for an early diagnosis, significantly improving her treatment prospects.

Key Takeaway	Action
Importance of Early Detection	Danielle Fishel caught her cancer early due to timely mammogram
Advice	Schedule and attend regular mammograms for early detection

Sharing Her Story for a Purpose

Initially, Fishel thought she would keep her diagnosis private, but she was inspired by the words of author Glennon Doyle. Paraphrasing Doyle, Fishel noted, “The place you have the most to learn from is at the very beginning of a story, or in the very messy middle of a story.” This motivated her to share her experience publicly in hopes that others might learn from her journey.

“I’m going to be fine. I’m having surgery to remove it,” Fishel said. “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.”

Inspiration to Share	Motivation
Glennon Doyle’s Words	Learning from the beginning or messy middle of a story
Decision to Go Public	To help others learn from her experience

Life Beyond the Diagnosis

Danielle Fishel remains optimistic and focused on her recovery. Beyond her role as Topanga on Boy Meets World and its spinoff Girl Meets World, Fishel is married to producer Jensen Karp and is a mother of two. Her openness about her diagnosis serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the strength found in sharing our stories.

Personal Life	Details
Marital Status	Married to producer Jensen Karp
Children	Mother of two
Career	Actress known for Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World

Danielle Fishel’s courage in sharing her breast cancer diagnosis will undoubtedly inspire many to prioritize their health and to find strength in vulnerability.