90210 star Shannen Doherty has breast cancer

Shannen Doherty is receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Shannen Doherty has confirmed she is battling breast cancer.

The 44-year-old actress, known for roles on Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed, told People magazine of her diagnosis and treatment.

"Yes, I have breast cancer, and I am currently undergoing treatment," she said.

"I am continuing to eat right, exercise and stay very positive about my life," she continued. "I am thankful to my family, friends and doctors for their support and, of course, my fans who have stood by me."

Doherty disclosed her illness after legal documents were published by gossip website TMZ, which revealed she was suing her former business manager for failing to pay her insurance premiums.

As a result, her health insurances lapsed and she did not receive medical care during this time.

The documents showed that Doherty was first diagnosed in March 2015, when she discovered that she had "invasive breast cancer metastatic to at least one lymph node".

She was informed that the cancer had spread during 2014, when she was uninsured.

The lawsuit revealed that, "had she been insured and able to visit her doctor, the cancer could potentially have been stopped, thus obviating the need for future treatment.

Doherty has been unable to work since she was diagnosed with breast cancer and has incurred "significant" medical expensives, the suit alleged.

- nzherald.co.nz