Magda Szubanksi, recognized for her roles in Babe, Kath and Kim, shares her cancer diagnosis
Veteran Australian actress Magda Szubanski has revealed she is battling stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and fast-moving form of blood cancer. The 64-year-old, known for her work in films such as Happy Feet and Babe and their sequels, shared the news on Instagram on Thursday.
Szubanski, who resides in Melbourne, expressed hope that a new treatment, the Nordic protocol, will aid her in overcoming the illness. Her diagnosis follows an international acclaimed role as the farmer's wife, Esme Hoggett, in the 1995 film, Babe, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards.
A number of high-profile figures have offered their support and well-wishes to Szubanski. Australian singer and former Neighbours actress Kylie Minogue, who has previously battled breast cancer, wrote, "Sending all love" alongside heart emojis. Richard E. Grant, who co-starred with Szubanski in Kath & Kimderella, shared, "We all love you so much Mags."
Other celebrities extending their support include Jurassic Park star Sam Neill, Muriel's Wedding actress Toni Collette, and singer and TV host Dannii Minogue.
In the post, Szubanski also shared a video of herself having shaved her head in anticipation of losing her hair as a result of chemotherapy, a common side effect of the treatment. She expressed gratitude for the love and support she has received, stating, "I won't sugar-coat it: it's rough. But I'm hopeful."
Treatment for stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma often involves a combination of chemoimmunotherapy, targeted agents, such as BTK inhibitors, and potentially stem cell transplant for eligible patients. Although the disease is typically considered incurable, significant improvements in quality of life and survival outcomes have been observed in recent years.
Source: Press Association
Szubanski, in her post, also expressed hope that the Nordic protocol, a new treatment, would help her manage her stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a serious medical-condition related to cancer. Her desire to maintain health-and-wellness extends to her mental-health as well, as she acknowledged the challenges she faces but also expressed gratitude for the love and support she has received.
