Actor and comedian Magda Szubanski reveals cancer battle

Australian TV Icon Magda Szubanski has revealed she is fighting a rare form of blood cancer.

Magda Szubanski has revealed she in a private battle with stage four cancer that is “nasty” and “rare”.

The much-loved Australian comedian confirmed the shocking diagnosis of Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and fast-moving blood cancer, in a post to social media on Thursday.

Szubanski, 64, described the cancer diagnosis as “serious” and confirmed she has begun “the Nordic protocol” … “one of the best treatments available” for the disease that was randomly picked up during a recent breast screen.

“Hello, my lovelies. The head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks.

“I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive lymphoma.

“It is one of the nasty ones unfortunately.

“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.

“It’s pretty confronting. It is a full on one. But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time … I’ve just got to (laughs).

“What do you? What are you gonna do?

“Please keep a distance though because I will be very immunocompromised. So as I can’t hug no more.”

The star of TV series Kath & Kim and films Babe and Ride Like a Girl described he outlook and attitude to recovery as “hopeful”.

Magda Szubanski has revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Pic: Fiona Hamilton

The Aussie icon took to social media revealing her bald head. Picture: Supplied

“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 said.

“I’ll be lying very low while my immune system takes a hammering.

“This is an obscure cancer and was only diagnosed incidentally via a breast screen where they found my lymph nodes were up.

“To be honest, 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 human right to be a cranky old moll.”

During the past decade, Szubanksi has increasingly opened up about her private battles.

In her 2014 memoir Reckoning, Szubanski documented her complicated relationship with food and her sexuality, something she had guarded for decades before finally coming out in 2012.

She later admitted that outing herself was one of the scariest things she’s done in her life.

She signed off to her legion of fans with a request: “If you do 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.”

Aussie stars react

After revealing her battle with characteristic candour - and a head of thinning hair - Szubanski was immediately swamped with support on social media.

Melbourne and Sydney’s arts and entertainment communities were quick to wrap arms around her.

Comedian Peter Hellier wrote: “Sending you all my love Mags!!!!! You (and we) know how strong you are️!”

Actor Teresa Palmer added: “Oh Mags, I’m so sorry to hear this shit news, you’re such an inspiration to so many of us, an icon for the ages. Hope you can feel all the strength being sent your way from our crew and everyone who loves you. ️”

Magda Szubanski, in character as cricket-mad Sharon Strezlecki from the hit series Kath and Kim, with the late Shane Warne.

Rove McManus, who lost his first wife Belinda Emmett to bone cancer in 2006, added his sentiments: “Lots of love and support to you beautiful one.”

Radio personality Carrie Bickmore, who lost her first husband Greg Lange in 2010 to brain cancer, offered: “Oh babe. F..k. You’ve got this - yelling at you now from a distance that we all love you.”

Today Extra host David Campbell kept his message of support brief: “I love you so bloody much.”

Television presenter Julia Zemiro, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young and cook Poh Ling Yeow were among those who sent well wishes to the national treasure.

Originally published as Actor and comedian Magda Szubanski reveals cancer battle