During the latest episode of her podcast, “Pod Meets World,” Fishel shared the news with listeners, explaining that she has been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive form of breast cancer. “It’s technically stage zero,” she said, emphasizing that her cancer was detected at a very early stage. “I’m going to be fine. I’m having surgery to remove it. I’m going to be on some follow-up treatment.”
DCIS is a form of breast cancer that affects the cells within the milk ducts, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Although it may not cause noticeable symptoms, it can often be detected through a routine mammogram. Early diagnosis and treatment of DCIS typically result in a positive prognosis, but if left untreated, it can become invasive and spread to other parts of the body.
Fishel, 43, initially planned to keep her diagnosis private, sharing the news only with a select few. However, she ultimately decided to go public, hoping that her story would encourage others to prioritize their health and attend routine checkups. “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, urging listeners not to delay their medical screenings.
As a busy mother of two, Fishel acknowledged how easy it can be to put off such appointments. “It would be so easy to say, ‘I don’t have time for that. I went to my mammogram last year. I was fine last year. I don’t need to go.’ But I want to share this because I hope that it will encourage anyone to get in there if it’s time for your appointment.”
Fishel also mentioned that she still has several important decisions to make regarding her treatment. “I still have doctors I need to meet with ― oncologists, radiation specialists, hormone therapists, all kinds of stuff that I have still in front of me to decide,” she said, adding that she plans to continue participating in every episode of the podcast if her health permits.
Her co-hosts and fellow “Boy Meets World” alumni, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, were among the first to learn about Fishel’s diagnosis. They have expressed their full support and are committed to accommodating her needs as she navigates this challenging time.
In sharing her diagnosis, Fishel hopes to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and inspire others to take proactive steps in managing their health.
