Former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Danielle Fishel is reflecting on how far she has come, one year after publicly revealing her breast cancer diagnosis and completing treatment.
The “Boy Meets World” star shared a hopeful update on her health while speaking with People at iHeartRadio’s 102.7 KIIS FM Jingle Ball 2025 in Los Angeles. Fishel said she is currently in a “really good headspace” and feeling grateful as she continues routine follow-up care with her doctors.
Fishel confirmed that her most recent oncology appointment went well and that she is currently cancer-free. While ongoing checkups remain part of her life, she shared that she does not need another mammogram until next summer and feels thankful to be healthy and surrounded by family. “I’m just so grateful that I have my health and that I have my family,” she said.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Fishel first announced her diagnosis in August 2024 on her “Pod Meets World” podcast, revealing she had ductal carcinoma in situ, an early and highly treatable form of breast cancer. According to People, the cancer was detected through a routine mammogram and classified as stage zero.
Following her diagnosis, Fishel underwent a lumpectomy and later a margin revision surgery after doctors advised against a double mastectomy due to how early the cancer was caught. She completed 20 rounds of radiation therapy in January 2025 and later shared that pathology reports and follow-up mammograms came back clear.
At the time, Fishel admitted she initially considered keeping the diagnosis private but ultimately chose to speak openly about her experience to encourage others to stay consistent with routine screenings. She emphasized that early detection played a crucial role in her outcome, noting that delaying annual checkups could have led to a far different result.
Finding Joy Through ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Fishel’s cancer journey also reshaped how she approached life after treatment. She previously shared that once she completed radiation, she realized she had been moving through life without prioritizing joy.
That realization led her to say yes to joining “Dancing With the Stars” season 34, a decision she described as deeply meaningful. Paired with pro dancer Pasha Pashkov, Fishel said stepping onto the ballroom floor just one year after cancer treatment was emotional and symbolic of her recovery.
Fishel recalled having to focus entirely on her partner during the premiere to manage the overwhelming emotions of the moment, per People. Seeing her family and friends in the audience, including her husband and mother, made the experience even more powerful.
Reflecting on that milestone, Fishel said, “Thinking about where I was last year in the middle of cancer treatment, and here a year later on a national stage performing a thing I’ve never done before, it was very emotional.”
Danielle you probably have helped more people than you know. By publicly speaking about the preemptive care we all need. And your journey. You were incredible on DWTS. Even though we’re on the west coast we still voted for you.
Had that, too. Later, a second breast cancer—not found on mammogram or ultrasound. onlyseen metastasized to lymph on MRI. It’s called occult breast cancer, meaning of unknown origin. This time, I needed chemotherapy based on genetic testing