Beloved Australian actor and comedian Magda Szubanski has revealed she is in remission after being diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of blood cancer – and she wants fans to know she is “certainly not dead”.
In a social media post, Szubanski shared the uplifting news after completing chemotherapy.
“Well, happy, happy Mardi Gras. I am so gutted that I can’t be there. I’m afraid it’s unavoidable, but have a wonderful time and big love to you all,” she said.
“I wanted to share the fantastic news, which is that I’ve completed chemo and I am now in remission. So, phew, big relief!
“It’s not a cure, but because I got a good remission that hopefully means that I’ll … keep the cancer at bay for a good long time.”
The star also thanked supporters for what she described as a wave of love.
“It was just like a tsunami coming at me. And honestly, I swear to God, it helped me not only emotionally, I think it really helped me physically too. I felt so loved up and cared for. So eternal gratitude, thank you so much for that.”
Szubanski went public in May 2025 with her shock diagnosis of Stage 4 Mantle Cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer that accounts for between five and 10 per cent of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Only about 300 Australians are diagnosed with the condition each year.
Unlike many other cancers, there are no screening programs for blood cancers, and there is currently no way to prevent them through lifestyle changes. Symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced and may include swollen lymph nodes, extreme fatigue, frequent infections and night sweats.
Szubanski has previously revealed her cancer was discovered by chance during a breast scan that detected swollen lymph nodes. Further blood tests confirmed the diagnosis.
She underwent the intensive “Nordic Protocol”, a demanding treatment involving high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. While Mantle Cell lymphoma is considered incurable, it can be managed with treatment.
In her update, she expressed deep appreciation for Australia’s medical professionals.
“We have the most incredible medical people in this country. We’re so lucky and there’s not a day goes by that I don’t … give profound thanks to the medical community, those beautiful people,” she said.
Szubanski also reminded supporters that cancer patients often have lowered immunity during and after treatment.
“We’re not being precious and I would love to hug you, but I can’t because what’s a sniffle for you could, you know, really harm — maybe kill me, just saying.”
For now, however, the focus is firmly on celebration — remission, regrowth and renewed hope.
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