29-05-2025
Comedian diagnosed with 'rare' stage four cancer and makes sad admission
Australian comedian Magda Szubanski took to her Instagram page to announce the heartbreaking news with her fans
Australian comedian Magda Szubanski has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The star, 64, took to her Instagram page to share the heartbreaking news with followers as she revealed she's been battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma, which is a type of rare and fast-moving blood cancer.
Appearing on camera with a shaved head, she said: "Hello my lovelies. So, the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma. It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. But the good thing is I'm surrounded by beautiful friends and family and an incredible medical support team.
"Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne, so I feel very fortunate. It's pretty confronting. It is a full on. But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time."
She continued: "I just got to [laughs], what are you going to do? Anyways, love you all. Please keep your distance though because I'll be very immunocompromised so I can't hug no more."
The comedian further explained in the caption: "Lovelies. Well. Some not great news. I've been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma—a rare and fast-moving blood cancer.
"It's serious, but I've started one of the best treatments available (the Nordic protocol), and I'm lucky to be getting absolutely world-class care here in Melbourne."
The Nordic protocol is a treatment that shrinks the tumours with a combination of drugs administered in five phases.
"I won't sugar-coat it: it's rough. But I'm hopeful. I'm being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I've never felt more held by the people around me." She went on to say: "I'll be lying very low while my immune system takes a hammering, so if you see me out and about—don't hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly. "This is an obscure cancer and was only discovered incidentally via a breast screen where they found my lymph nodes were up. TBH, I've been feeling pretty ratshit for ages. So I asked for extra bloods and - voila! So the take away is - get tested and listen to your body! "For now, just know I'm in good hands, good spirits—but I reserve my yuman right to be a cranky old moll."
Friends and fans rushed to the comment section to share their support, with one user writing: "Right there with you darling," and another posting: "Oh lovely one!! Sending you so much love and courage and hugs."
One person said: "I'm so sorry to hear this Magda, but this cancer has no idea what it's taken on does it? You come from strong, odds-defying stock and you'll beat this. Much love."
As shared by Cancer Research UK, Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare type of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Lymphoma develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. They move around your body in your blood and your lymphatic system.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
