British rock legend reveals he’s fighting aggressive blood cancer and is undergoing treatment
THE Cure’s Roger O’Donnell has revealed he has been fighting ‘aggressive’ blood cancer.
The keyboardist, 68, told how he was diagnosed with a “very rare and aggressive form” of lymphoma a year ago and has been undergoing treatment.
The Friday I’m In Love star shared the update to encourage others to check out any symptoms to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month – after he “ignored” his own.
Writing on X, he said: “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.
“I’ve now completed 11 months of treatment under some of the finest specialists in the world and with second opinions and advice from the teams that had developed the drugs I was being given.
“I had the benefit of the latest sci fi immunotherapy and some drugs that were first used 100 years ago.”
Roger implored anyone with the “faintest thought” of symptoms to get tested, as he thanked everyone who has been there for him.
Signs include unexplained weight loss, bruising and bleeding, lumps or swellings, night sweats and recurrent infections.
Last November, Roger pulled out of the band’s Latin America tour due to “health reasons”.
In a social media statement, The Cure said: “We are sure you will join with us in wishing him the speediest of recoveries.”
Roger also urged fans to check in on friends and family who are ill or suffering.
On X, he wrote: “If you know someone who is ill or suffering talk to them, every single word helps, believe me I know.
“I would also like to thank my Drs, rockstars everyone of them, all the nurses and technicians, my friends, family and Mimi, sometimes its harder to be on the other side of this…”
He has been taking cancer drugs and is undergoing immunotherapy and radiotherapy.
In another post he smiled at the camera and wrote: “The hair isn’t out of choice hahahah,” hinting to the loss of hair through his treatment.
If you know someone who is ill or suffering talk to them, every single word helps, believe me I know
Roger O’Donnell
Roger had previously told fans that he had a “serious health issue” after pulling out of a performance in Mexico 2023.
The Cure was formed in Crawley, West Sussex in the 1970s.
Roger joined in 1987 and left the group once in 1990 and again in 2005.
In 2011 he rejoined the band and has been performing with them ever since.
The band originally started out as a post-punk band before becoming more gothic in the early 80s.
Gaining stardom in the mid-80s, the group eventually morphed into a hugely successful power-pop-alternative.
What is Lymphoma?
According to Blood Cancer UK, Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system.
The charity says it “specifically affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are an important part of your immune system”.
Lymphoma is also called a cancer of the lymphatic system, or lymphatic cancer.
Lymphoma symptoms
- Lumps (swollen lymph nodes)
- fever (high temperature)
- weight loss that is unexplained
- night sweats that soak your clothes and bedding.
How to get help
Freephone Blood Caner UK’s helpline on 0808 2080 888 (Option 1)