Katie Thurston shares emotional cancer update: “It’s now Stage 4”

In a deeply personal and emotional update, Katie Thurston, best known for her time on The Bachelorette, has confirmed that her breast cancer has progressed to stage 4, spreading to her liver.

Just a month after publicly announcing her stage 3 diagnosis, the 34-year-old reality star and comedian shared another heartbreaking development in her health journey via a candid Instagram video posted on March 29.

“A recent PET scan detected spots on my liver that were a little suspicious,” Katie said. “After my biopsy, it was confirmed — the cancer has spread. I’m officially stage IV.”

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“I feel optimistic, even now.”

Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Katie appeared calm and composed in the video, stressing that she’s staying hopeful.

“Yes, stage IV sounds scary — and it can be. But I’m triple positive, my liver spots are small, and they were caught early,” she said.
“I feel optimistic about my outcome. I’m very confident in my team at Columbia.”

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Katie also shared that she’s beginning her next round of chemotherapy next week, and that she’s working closely with her doctors to preserve her fertility as part of her ongoing treatment.

Why Katie is speaking out

In the same video, Katie opened up about why it’s so important for her to talk openly about her cancer battle — especially as a young woman in her 30s.

“This needs to be talked about more,” she said. “Whatever is happening amongst younger women is scary. It’s not normal.”

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She criticized the current medical standards that often delay mammograms until later in life, emphasizing that early detection could be life-saving — and that she wishes she’d known more when she first felt a lump last summer.

A life update: love and a new chapter

Amid her health challenges, Katie recently celebrated a personal milestone: she married comedian Jeff Arcuri on March 22, 2025. The two had been dating for a while before tying the knot in a quiet, intimate ceremony.

Following their wedding, Katie relocated from Los Angeles to New York City, transferring her care to a new medical team and beginning this next chapter surrounded by love and support.

A message that matters

Katie’s vulnerability, strength, and willingness to share her story is already resonating with thousands across social media. Her journey is a reminder that breast cancer doesn’t just affect older women — and that open conversation and proactive health care are crucial.

“If my story can help even one woman get checked sooner, then it’s worth it,” Katie said.