“I was lucky to receive world-class care in Melbourne”: Magda Szubanski says her disease is very rare, but new treatments are always emerging

Beloved comedian Magda Szubanski, star of classics like Babe and Kath & Kim, has revealed serious news about her health: she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 blood cancer.

In an emotional video shared on social media, the 64-year-old actress disclosed that she is facing a “very rare, very aggressive, and very serious type of lymphoma.”

“It’s quite a confrontation… but new treatments are constantly being offered,” Szubanski shared, maintaining an optimistic outlook.

The Battle Against Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Szubanski has begun the Nordic protocol, an aggressive chemotherapy regimen commonly used to treat Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL).

MCL is a rare type of blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. It is one of about 60 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, affecting a type of white blood cell called B-cells, and develops in the mantle zone (the outer ring) of the lymph nodes.

In a statement accompanying the video, the actress emphasized: “I was lucky to receive world-class care in Melbourne.”

She acknowledged the challenging nature of this fight: “I won’t sugarcoat it: this is very tough. But I remain hopeful. I am being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I have never felt so completely enveloped by the people around me.”

Wave of Love from the Entertainment World

Szubanski’s announcement immediately generated a strong wave of support from her Australian entertainment peers.

TV personality Rove McManus sent well-wishes: “Sending so much love and support to you, beautiful.”

Julia Zemiro expressed that she is sending Szubanski “so much love, courage, and hugs.”

Chef and TV author Poh Ling Yeow wrote: “Oh Mags, I’m so sorry to hear this… you are a huge inspiration to so many of us, an all-time icon.”

Former Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, shared “warm, immune-safe virtual hugs,” along with the wish: “Sending you all the love in the world.”

Artistic Legacy and Social Advocacy

A glittering career spanning over two decades has established Szubanski as an icon. She achieved international acclaim with her role as Esme Hoggett in the film Babe and captured Australian audiences as the netball-loving character Sharon Strzelecki in the hit sitcom Kath & Kim.

Born in Liverpool in 1961 and moving to Melbourne in 1966, Szubanski has won seven Logies, including being named the most popular personality on TV twice (2003 and 2004).

Beyond her comedy career, she is an active social advocate. Through her memoir Reckoning (2016) and the ABC series Magda’s Big National Health Check, Szubanski has spoken out against weight stigma and diet culture, detailing her personal struggles with body image.