Roger O’Donnell has revealed his year-long battle with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma and has urged his fans to “get tested”.
The 68-year-old The Cure keyboardist, shared his diagnosis on social media to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month, urging fans to seek early medical attention for potential symptoms.
O’Donnell wrote: “In September last year I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma.
“I had ignored the symptoms for a few months but finally went for a scan and after surgery the result of the biopsy was devastating.”
Despite the initial shock, O’Donnell has now completed 11 months of treatment and reports a positive prognosis.
The London-born musician at first dismissed his symptoms for several months before undergoing a scan and biopsy.
Lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymphatic system, can present with various symptoms including fever, night sweats, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
O’Donnell’s treatment involved a combination of cutting-edge and traditional therapies.
He explained: “I had the benefit of the latest sci-fi immunotherapy and some drugs that were first used 100 years ago.
“The last phase of treatment was radiotherapy which also was one of the first treatments developed against cancer.”
Throughout his treatment, O’Donnell was under the care of “some of the finest specialists in the world”.
O’Donnell’s current health status is encouraging, as he added: “I’m fine and the prognosis is amazing. The mad axe murderer knocked on the door and we didn’t answer.”
The musician is now using his experience to raise awareness about blood cancer and emphasised the importance of early detection, saying: “Cancer CAN be beaten but if you are diagnosed early enough you stand a way better chance, so all I have to say is go GET TESTED, if you have the faintest thought you may have symptoms go and get checked out.”
He also highlighted the value of support during treatment: “Lastly if you know someone who is ill or suffering talk to them, every single word helps, believe me, I know.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Fame Academy star Gary Phelan dies aged 42 as tributes pour in: ‘Always be grateful’Gavin and Stacey Christmas special ‘confirm’ returning cast as filming beginsAngel Adoree and Dick Strawbridge share ’emotional’ tribute to their ‘babies’ in huge milestone
According to Blood Cancer UK, symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, bruising, breathlessness, rashes, tiredness, and lumps or swellings.
The musician’s battle with cancer forced him to withdraw from The Cure’s Latin America tour in November 2023, and at the time, the band simply stated he had chosen to withdraw for “health reasons”.
O’Donnell expressed gratitude to his medical team, family, and partner Mimi, as he praised: “Sometimes it’s harder to be on the other side of this.”
In a lighter moment, O’Donnell shared a photo showcasing his shorter hair, quipping: “The hair isn’t out of choice hahahah.” (sic)
