Shannen Doherty, famed for her role in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” is currently battling stage 4 cancer and has chosen to part with her belongings to focus on life’s essentials.

In the latest episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” she revealed her process of decluttering her storage to eliminate items that no longer bring her joy.

“The cancer has prompted me to reevaluate my life and adjust my priorities, with my mom now being my main focus,” Doherty shared. She expressed concern over the burden her passing would place on her mother, emphasizing the need to simplify her affairs.

Initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and entering remission in 2017, Doherty announced in 2020 on “Good Morning America” that her cancer had returned, now classified as stage 4.

“I want to ease my mother’s potential future burden. I don’t want her to have to sift through multiple storage units filled with my collected furniture,” she remarked, attributing the accumulation to her passion for antique furniture shopping.

Doherty discussed her realization that the vast amount of items she owned were unnecessary, stating, “Do I really need three dining room tables? The answer is no. We all could benefit from downsizing.”

She hopes to sell these unnecessary items to finance memorable experiences with her loved ones, particularly her mother, without dipping into her savings designated for taking care of her family after her departure.

Doherty, 52, admitted that the decision to let go of her possessions was difficult as it felt like surrendering a part of herself, yet she recognized it as the right choice for achieving peace and aiding her loved ones in managing her affairs after her passing.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 240,000 new cases of breast cancer annually among women and around 2,100 in men. Symptoms commonly include a hard, painless lump in the breast, nipple discharge, and skin dimpling.

The article also touches on Doherty’s continued openness about her cancer journey and the increasing rate of cancer diagnoses in younger populations. Experts suggest that decluttering can be a therapeutic way for those with severe diagnoses to gain control over their lives.

Echoing this sentiment, experts in the field like Dr. Jeffrey Peppercorn of Massachusetts General Hospital emphasize the therapeutic benefits of focusing on what truly matters during uncertain times. Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, highlighted that reducing material burdens can also alleviate stress for families, though she advises patients to also plan for potential future needs.

Ultimately, decluttering not only helps patients regain a sense of control but also allows them to prioritize life goals and personal relationships amidst their health battles.

Shannen Doherty Takes Control by Decluttering Amid Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis

Shannen Doherty, renowned for her role on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” is confronting her stage 4 cancer diagnosis by simplifying her life and focusing on spending time with her mother.

During a recent episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear With Shannen Doherty,” released on April 1, Doherty shared her intention to sell her possessions to prevent her mother from having to manage them later. “Cancer has forced me to reassess my life and realign my priorities, currently centered around my mom,” Doherty stated, highlighting her desire to not burden her mother with the clutter due to her fondness for collecting furniture.

She aims to fund travels with her mother through the sale of these items instead of tapping into her savings. Doherty’s representative chose not to comment further.

Doherty joins other celebrities who have publicly discussed managing a cancer diagnosis. For instance, Michael Douglas reflected in 2014 on how his 2010 tongue cancer diagnosis made him cherish his family more. Similarly, Scottish comedian Janey Godley, during a March interview on the show “Lorraine,” shared her own decluttering efforts amid her battle with ovarian cancer, aiming to ease potential future burdens on her family.

Doherty’s decision to declutter follows her initial cancer diagnosis in 2015 and public discussions about her condition, including a 2020 “Good Morning America” appearance. Her choice aligns with a rise in cancer diagnoses among younger people over the past three decades, a trend noted alongside new research, though the reasons for this increase remain unclear.

Experts see decluttering as beneficial for those facing grave diagnoses. Dr. Jeffrey Peppercorn, a breast cancer specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, advises patients to concentrate on what truly matters. “While stage four breast cancer is not curable, it is treatable… Decluttering can really help by reducing stress over non-essential possessions,” he explained.

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, echoed this sentiment, noting that reducing material burdens can provide a sense of control and reduce family stress. However, Peppercorn cautioned against drastic actions like selling all possessions immediately, as patients might live well for years. He suggests that patients also plan for the future and consider what they truly want to achieve, potentially redefining their life goals and dreams.