THE Cure’s Roger O’Donnell has revealed he is battling an ‘aggressive’ blood cancer.
The keyboard player, 68, said that a year ago he was diagnosed with a “very rare and aggressive form” of lymphoma and underwent treatment.
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Roger O’Donnell diagnosed with blood cancer Credit: Getty
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He was in treatment for 11 months after being diagnosed with shock Credit: Getty
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Roger urged his fans to get checked if they notice any of the symptoms associated with cancerCredit: Getty
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The band wished Roger a speedy recoveryCredit: Alamy
The Friday I’m In Love star shared an update to encourage others to get all symptoms checked to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month – after he “ignored” his.
Writing on X, he said: “Last September I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma.
“I ignored the symptoms for a few months, but I finally went for a scan and after the surgery the biopsy result was devastating.
“I have now completed 11 months of treatment with some of the best specialists in the world and with second opinions and advice from the teams who developed the drugs I was given.
“I have benefited from the latest science fiction immunotherapy and some drugs that were first used 100 years ago.”
Roger asked anyone with “the slightest inkling” of symptoms to get tested, as he thanked everyone who stood by him.
Signs include unexplained weight loss, bruising and bleeding, lumps or swelling, night sweats and recurring infections.
Last November, Roger pulled out of the band’s Latin American tour due to “health reasons”.
In a statement on social media, The Cure said: “We’re sure you’ll join us in wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Charlotte Cox founded the charity Lymphoma Out Loud after her diagnosis
Roger also urged fans to check on friends and family who are sick or suffering.
On X he wrote: “If you know someone who is sick or suffering talk to them, every word helps, believe me I know.
“I’d also like to thank my doctors, all the rock stars, all the nurses and techs, my friends, family and Mimi, sometimes it’s harder to be on the other side of this…”
He took anti-cancer drugs and underwent immunotherapy and radiotherapy.
In another post, he smiled at the camera and wrote: “The hair is not a waste hahahah,” alluding to the hair loss from his treatment.
If you know someone who is sick or suffering talk to them, every word helps, believe me I know
Roger O’Donnell
Roger previously told fans he had a “serious health problem” after pulling out of the 2023 Mexico showdown.
The Cure were 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 going gothic in the early 80s.
Rising to fame in the mid-’80s, the group eventually turned into a hugely successful power-pop alternative.
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Roger joined in 1987 and left the group once in 1990 and again in 2005, but returned in 2011. Credit: Getty
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 cancer of the lymphatic system or lymph cancer.
Symptoms of lymphoma
- Lumps (swollen lymph nodes)
- fever (high temperature)
- weight loss that is unexplained
- night sweats that soak your clothes and bedding.
How to get help
Blood Caner UK Free Helpline on 0808 2080 888 (Option 1)
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Source: HIS Education