Home and Away star Alea O’Shea reveals devastating brain cancer diagnosis
Former Home and Away actress and social media star Alea O’Shea has shared a heartbreaking update about her health.
Former Home and Away actress and social media star Alea O’Shea has revealed she has been diagnosed with brain cancer.
The 25-year-old shared the devastating news to her social media followers in a video posted across her channels.
O’Shea, loved by followers for her role as Darcy Callahan on the hit soapie, said she would be open about her condition as she prepares to undergo treatment.
“This is a video I obviously thought I’d never have to make, but I’ve recently been diagnosed with brain cancer,” she said.
“Saying that like, a hook, is insane. It’s been a crazy few weeks.
“Now that I finally have some clarity, I just want to share what’s going on.”
O’Shea revealed that she underwent a biopsy after she started to notice some changes.
“I noticed that my smile was a little uneven, and it felt harder to talk [and] get my words out,” she said.
“I had a few migraines, but nothing scary.”
While working in the US, things took a turn for the worst as she lost feeling in two of her fingers as well as her wrist and a toe.
She went to a physiotherapist who immediately advised her to get a brain scan.
O’Shea said it was vital that people trust their instinct when it comes to their health.
“When something feels off even slightly, pay attention to it and find the right professionals who will take you seriously,” she said.
The star said the left side of her body had been affected and doctors had warned her of the risks of surgery including paralysis and hair loss.
The actress thanked her long-time followers for their support.
“To everyone who follows me and has been invested in my journey thus far, regardless, thank you so much for being here. And thank you for staying through this chapter.”
She said she didn’t want her cancer diagnosis to become her “whole personality”.
“It’s just another part of my story,” she said.
“And if it can bring some perspective, comfort, or positivity to other people out there going through it, whilst helping me get through it, that’s all I could ever want.”
O’Shea’s devastating diagnosis comes after a heartbreaking few years for former Home and Away cast members.
Much-loved former Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo died aged 35 in 2023 after a lengthy battle with brain cancer.
The singer, described as a “beautiful soul”, was first diagnosed with the disease in 2017 and again in 2020.
Actor Julian McMahon, who starred in Home and Away in the 1990s before launching a successful Hollywood career, died aged 56 from cancer in July.
McMahon, the son of former Australian prime minister Sir William “Billy” McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon, died from lung metastasis as a result of head and neck metastatic cancer.
Former Home and Away star Belinda Emmett tragically died in 2006 at the age of 32 from breast cancer which later spread to her bones.
Other Home and Away stars who tragically died young include Dieter Brummer, Annalise Braakensiek, Jessica Falkholt and Ben Unwin.
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Originally published as Home and Away star Alea O’Shea reveals devastating brain cancer diagnosis
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