‘You’ve got this’: Support pours in for Magda Szubanski following shock cancer diagnosis

Beloved Australian comedian Magda Szubanski has received an outpouring of love and support from fans and the entertainment community after revealing she has been diagnosed with an “obscure” form of cancer.

The Kath and Kim star took to Instagram star to announce she had stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, which she described as a “rare and fast-moving blood cancer”.

“Well. Some not great news. I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma—a rare and fast-moving blood cancer,” she revealed.

“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.”

She acknowledged the gravity of the diagnosis but remained cautiously optimistic.

“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 continued.

“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. Love you all, Mags.”

 

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Amid the overwhelming wave of support from fans, a number of high-profile celebrities also reached out to share their love and support for Szubanski during this difficult time.

“Right there with you darling xx,” Jurassic Park star Sam Neill wrote.

Senator Penny Wong added: “Magda, your courage, humour and heart have inspired so many of us for so long. Sending you love and strength in this fight – you’re not alone, we are all behind you ❤️.”

“Darling woman – sending you all the love in the world. Let’s go sing Doris under the Westgate again next time I’m in Melbourne,” said actress Rebecca Gibney.

Terri Irwin offered a touching tribute: “We all love you, dear Magda, but Steve loved you the most. Your light burns bright and you are stronger than you know. You have always been there for all of us. Now we are surrounding you with love and healing. You’ve got this. One day at a time.”

Pop icon Kylie Minogue simply wrote: “Sending all love.”

Szubanski is best known for her iconic portrayal of Sharon Strzelecki—the unlucky-in-love, sports-obsessed best friend in Kath and Kim. Her comedic talents have made her one of Australia’s most treasured performers.

She also appeared in beloved films including Babe, Babe: Pig in the City, Happy Feet, and its sequel, Happy Feet Two.

Szubanski’s career began in the mid-1980s after being discovered by ABC talent scouts during a university revue performance. She went on to star in the sketch comedy series Fast Forward and the critically acclaimed Big Girl’s Blouse, working alongside Kath and Kim co-creators Gina Riley and Jane Turner.

-with AAP.