'Star Trek' star William Shatner, 95, reveals he & his daughter fought separate stage 4 cancers together: 'It changed my life'

'Star Trek' legend William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner have spoken candidly about their separate battles with Stage 4 cancer, revealing how the life-changing diagnoses strengthened their family and transformed their outlook on life.

In a joint interview with PEOPLE, the father and daughter shared details of their cancer journeys, their treatment and how they are now cancer-free.

William Shatner and Melanie Shatner reveal their Stage 4 cancer diagnoses

According to PEOPLE, Melanie Shatner was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer after discovering a lump in her breast in 2022.


William Shatner, 95, later faced his own health scare after noticing a lump on his cheek in 2023. He was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 4 malignant melanoma.

Recalling the moment, the actor said: "I went to an oncologist ... and they operated almost immediately with Stage 4 melanoma."

Melanie Shatner recalls emotional conversation with her father

Melanie admitted that the diagnosis left her fearing the worst. Recalling the difficult moment, she said: "I called you, and I said, 'I think I'm dying.'"

Shatner praised the strength of their family as they navigated the challenging period together.

"We're in a very together family. We're bonded by all kinds of difficulties that we overcame. And who knows what else we're going to overcome."

What is Stage 4 melanoma?

According to the National Cancer Institute, Stage 4 melanoma is an advanced form of skin cancer that has spread from its original site to distant parts of the body.

While the condition was once associated with a poor prognosis, advances in immunotherapy and targeted treatments have significantly improved survival rates and outcomes for many patients.

William Shatner and Melanie Shatner on life after cancer

Now cancer-free, both William and Melanie say their experiences have changed the way they view life.

Reflecting on his journey, Shatner said: "It's these miracles of life. If you let them go by, you lose your joy of living."

Melanie echoed his sentiments, adding: "It changed my life, all for the better."

William Shatner and Melanie Shatner launch new podcast

Following their recovery, William and Melanie Shatner are launching a weekly podcast, No Time But Now, where they will speak with healthcare experts, survivors and guests about health, resilience and finding purpose after life's biggest challenges.

Inputs from TOI