Celebrities with breast cancer 2015: Shannen Doherty attends 'Baby2Baby' gala after announcing her diagnosis; see 5 stars who have battled the disease here

• comments
• 
• 

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women regardless race or ethnicity, the CDC reports, and the risk of developing the disease increases as a woman ages. One Hollywood actress to admit that she was struck by the disease is "Beverly Hills 90210" star Shannen Doherty, who made the shocking announcement in August.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 44-year-old actress was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in March, and the disease had spread while she was uninsured. She filed a lawsuit against the business management firm of Tanner Mainstain, claiming that they did not pay the medical insurance premiums for her policy, which she obtained through the Screen Actors Guild.

Doherty parted ways with her management firm, during which she found out she was uninsured. She re-enrolled with SAG insurance this year and began seeing doctors, eventually finding out that she had breast cancer.

People reports the "Charmed" actress recently made her first red carpet appearance following her August announcement at the Baby2Baby gala in Los Angeles.

Doherty previously told People, "Yes, I have breast cancer, and I am currently undergoing treatment. I am continuing to eat right, exercise and stay very positive about my life. I am thankful to my family, friends and doctors for their support and, of course, my fans who have stood by me."

Doherty isn't the only star to battle the disease, as other stars have gone public to speak about their struggles. Here are a few:

1. Rita Wilson. Tom Hanks' wife and actress, 58-year-old Rita Wilson underwent a double mastectomy for breast cancer, with which she was diagnosed in March. ABC News reports that she made her first red carpet appearance following the operation at this year's Tony Awards.

2. Guiliana Rancic. The E! host's battle with breast cancer was highly publicized, up until she underwent a double mastectomy in 2012. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she is "relieved" that Angelina Jolie shared her story to help other women cope with the disease.

3. Sheryl Crow. Health reports the singer found suspicious calcifications in her breasts in 2006 during a routine mammogram. Because of early detection, she was able to get treatment through surgery, radiation, and acupuncture and herbal teas.

4. Hoda Kotb. "Today" show co-host Kotb was diagnosed with a malignant lump in her breast back in 2007 and immediately had a mastectomy.

5. Sandra Lee. The celebrity chef announced in May that she was battling breast cancer and had undergone a double mastectomy. ET Online reported in September that she was re-admitted to the hospital for another surgery due to some complications, and continues to recover following the second surgery. The Food Network star said, "I would make that decision again. Absolutely, even given the complications and the secondary infection. There is no question in my mind. [I’m] relieved that there is no cancer left in my body and I just want to move on with my life."