Bachelorette's Katie Thurston Shares One-Year Cancer Update

Thurston remains optimistic despite a recent 'stagnant' tumor, and is now pursuing a double mastectomy as the next step in her treatment.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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One year after her stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, former Bachelorette star Katie Thurston shared an update on her health, revealing her latest scans showed her tumor has remained 'stable' but no longer shrinking. While initially concerning, Thurston's oncologist assured her this is common as treatment continues. Thurston also announced she will be meeting with her surgeon this week to discuss undergoing a double mastectomy, calling it a 'very big next step' in her cancer journey. Tragically, Thurston's mother was also recently diagnosed with breast cancer, which Thurston caught early through her own advocacy.

Why it matters

Thurston's openness about her cancer battle has provided an important window into the realities and challenges faced by young women diagnosed with breast cancer, including fertility concerns, the emotional toll, and the need for self-advocacy. Her story highlights the unpredictable nature of cancer treatment and the importance of staying vigilant, even when initial results are positive.

The details

In her latest update, Thurston shared that while her recent MRI and PET scans showed her tumor has remained 'stable' and not grown, it also has not continued shrinking as it had in the past year. Thurston initially worried this meant the medication was no longer working, but her oncologist assured her this is common as the body adjusts to long-term treatment. Overall, Thurston's tumor has shrunk by 50% over the past year. She will now be meeting with her surgeon to discuss undergoing a double mastectomy as the 'next big step' in her treatment plan. Tragically, Thurston also revealed her mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, which they caught early thanks to Thurston's advocacy for her mom to get additional testing beyond a routine mammogram.

  • One year after her stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis
  • This Friday, Thurston will be meeting with her surgeon
  • In January 2026, Thurston's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer

The players

Katie Thurston

A former star of The Bachelorette who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2025 at the age of 34.

Jeff Arcuri

Thurston's husband, whom she married in 2025 amid her cancer battle.

Thurston's mother

Also recently diagnosed with breast cancer, which Thurston helped catch early through additional testing.

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What they’re saying

“While that is a good thing, it is the first time in a year that my tumor isn't shrinking, that it just is stagnant. Which had me kind of spiraling a little bit.”

— Katie Thurston (Instagram)

“My latest update actually is that this Friday I'm going to be meeting with my surgeon to pursue a double mastectomy. My surgeon had approved it for my situation and so I'm going to see her in person this Friday and kind of go over things in detail to figure out what that looks like.”

— Katie Thurston (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.