Canadian actor William Shatner and his daughter Melanie revealed in an exclusive interview with People that they both battled Stage 4 cancer concurrently several years ago, recovering to be declared cancer-free near the end of 2024. Shatner, 95, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in June 2023, while Melanie, 61, received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in July 2022.
Malignant Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment for William Shatner
William Shatner’s cancer spread to his lungs and brain after he initially mistook a facial growth for a blocked salivary gland, according to the actor’s interview with People. Surgeons removed the tumour on his face, and the Star Trek alum subsequently underwent two years of immunotherapy. Reflecting on the diagnosis, Shatner told People, “They said, ‘You got cancer. If you came in later, you would have been dead.’ See? That’s my life. I think the universe is taking care of me.” According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, malignant melanoma is a less common but highly dangerous skin cancer starting in the pigment-producing melanocytes of the outer skin layer, though it maintains one of the highest cure rates when detected early.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Journey for Melanie Shatner
Melanie Shatner discovered her illness four years ago after finding a lump beneath her breast while waking up in the middle of the night, initially suspecting a bug bite. Diagnostic imaging the following day confirmed HER2-positive breast cancer that had spread to lymph nodes in her chest. According to Women’s College Hospital, metastatic breast cancer—or Stage 4 breast cancer—occurs when malignant cells break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant organs like bones, lungs, brain, or liver. Melanie underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 30 radiation therapy treatments, describing the physical and emotional toll to People by stating, “Chemo was the most physically draining, and the radiation I found so emotionally draining.”
Did you know? According to a 2025 report from the Canadian Cancer Society, two in five Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, driven largely by a growing and aging population.
Shared Recovery and New Projects
Both father and daughter were declared cancer-free near the end of 2024, praising their medical teams. “We had the perfect doctors for her cancer and my cancer,” Shatner stated. Following their recoveries, the duo announced a new wellness podcast titled No Time But Now, which launches its first episode on July 29. Shatner noted that the ordeal shifted his perspective on daily life, telling People, “I’m thinking of the miracle of a hummingbird, and of my dog taking a ball, and my children. I’m aware of the magic of it all.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When were William Shatner and Melanie diagnosed with cancer?
Melanie Shatner was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in July 2022, and William Shatner was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in June 2023, according to their interview with People.
What types of cancer did William and Melanie Shatner have?
William Shatner had malignant melanoma that spread to his lungs and brain, while Melanie Shatner had HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer that spread to her chest lymph nodes.
When were they declared cancer-free?
Both William and Melanie Shatner were declared cancer-free near the end of 2024, according to People.
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