Cheri Oteri, the comedian and actress best known for her years on “Saturday Night Live,” has publicly shared her breast cancer journey. The 63-year-old was diagnosed with DCIS, an early form of breast cancer, and has completed treatment after a lumpectomy and radiation. A key part of her story involves the advice from her friend, actress Camryn Manheim, which led her to seek a second opinion and opt for less aggressive treatment.
The diagnosis came as a shock to Oteri, who had no family history of breast cancer and initially thought the abnormality found on her annual mammogram would be nothing to worry about. A biopsy, however, confirmed the presence of stage 0 cancer. She described being “so shocked,” adding, “When you don’t have it in your family, it feels far away.”
The initial recommendation from her doctors and a plastic surgeon was a mastectomy. This was a difficult moment for Oteri. “I said, ‘I’m not even at stage 1. What are you talking about?'” she recalled. The doctors expressed concern that due to her smaller breasts, they couldn’t guarantee a “normal-looking breast” after removing the cancer. The recommendation didn’t feel right to her, prompting her to pause and seek advice.
Feeling dismayed and uncertain, Oteri reached out to her close friend, actress Camryn Manheim. Manheim, a strong proponent of second opinions, encouraged Oteri to not accept the initial recommendation as final. “But Camryn is Miss Second Opinion,” Oteri explained.
Following her friend’s advice, Oteri sought another medical opinion. She was connected with Dr. Sherry Ross and later met with Dr. Janie Grumley, the director of the breast program at St. John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica. The new team of doctors recommended a different approach: a lumpectomy followed by radiation. This second opinion gave Oteri the confidence to proceed with a less aggressive treatment plan that was better suited to her situation.
Oteri underwent surgery for a lumpectomy in April, followed by a second procedure in May to remove any remaining cancer cells. She started radiation in July and completed her 20th and final session on August 4, 2026.
She rang the bell at Providence Saint John’s Health Center to mark the end of her treatment, describing the moment as a “win.” Reflecting on the experience, Oteri said she felt a sense of peace and empowerment, surprising even herself. “No one’s more shocked than me!” she told PEOPLE. She also expressed feeling “overwhelmed” with gratitude for catching the cancer early and for a recovery free of complications.
Cheri Oteri is a beloved comedian and actress who rose to fame as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1995 to 2000. She was known for her memorable characters and impressions, including a well-known depiction of Judge Judy. Beyond “SNL,” Oteri has appeared in numerous films, including the “Scary Movie” franchise and the comedy “The Heat.” She has recently had a recurring role on the NBC sitcom “Happy’s Place” and is set to appear in the upcoming “Grown Ups 3.”
Cheri Oteri was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is considered a non-invasive, early form of breast cancer. DCIS is classified as stage 0 cancer.
Her initial doctor recommended a mastectomy. She described being shocked by this suggestion because her cancer was caught at such an early stage.
Camryn Manheim encouraged Oteri to seek a second opinion. Oteri credits this advice for leading her to a less aggressive and more appropriate treatment plan.
Yes, after receiving a second opinion, Oteri had a lumpectomy in April, followed by another procedure in May to ensure all cancerous cells were removed.
Yes, she underwent 20 rounds of radiation following her surgeries, completing her treatment in August 2026.
Cheri Oteri has completed her treatment and is doing well. She is feeling grateful and has shared that she feels like a “champ.”
By sharing her journey, Oteri aims to encourage other women to get their mammograms. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, saying, “Get your mammograms—don’t you skip a year!”
Cheri Oteri is best known for her time as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1995 to 2000, where she created many memorable characters. She has also appeared in various films and television shows, including “Scary Movie,” “The Heat,” and the current sitcom “Happy’s Place.”
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