Hollywood actress and long-time activist Jane Fonda has shared that she’s been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is currently undergoing chemotherapy to help battle the cancer.
The 84-year-old Grace and Frankie star took to social media on Friday, September 2, to share the shocking news.
“So, my dear friends, I have something personal I want to share. I’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have started chemo treatments,” she wrote.
“This is a very treatable cancer,” she continued. “80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky.”
Fonda explains she will be undergoing chemotherapy for six months and is currently handling the treatment “quite well”, adding that she “will not let any of this interfere” with her activism efforts around climate change.
“Cancer is a teacher and I’m paying attention to the lessons it holds for me,” the Oscar-winning actress wrote.
“One thing it’s shown me already is the importance of community. Of growing and deepening one’s community so that we are not alone. And the cancer, along with my age — almost 85 — definitely teaches the importance of adapting to new realities.”
Fonda’s devastating news was immediately met with a flood of comments from fans and celebrities, all offering their support for the actress.
“Beloved, we love you!!!” fellow Hollywood actress Andie Macdowell wrote.
“Love you so much dear Jane. Sending the purest energy and the best thoughts to you!! You are incredibly strong!!” another user commented.
“The strength you have to write this to all of us is a strength to be championed for sure. I’m also sure not all days are great days – chemo takes its toll even as it works to help you heal. That said, I hope you have more good days than bad and more strength than concern. And…I wish this for anyone bravely facing cancer like you,” added another fan.
According to the Cancer Council, “non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a blood cancer that begins in the white blood cells called lymphocytes” and commonly begins in the body’s lymph nodes before potentially spreading to other tissue.
This isn’t the first time Fonda has been diagnosed with cancer. Back in 2010, she underwent a lumpectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, in 2018 she had a cancerous growth removed from her lip, and more recently in 2019, she revealed she’s had a very challenging journey with several battles against skin cancer.
News of Fonda’s latest cancer comes after the actress recently shared her insights on ageing and feeling young at 84, saying she feels younger now than when she was in her 20s.