The Cure's Roger O'Donnell reveals blood cancer diagnosis

admin admin | 09-02 00:15

The Cure keyboardist Roger O'Donnell has revealed he has been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of blood cancer.

The musician, 68, said he had "ignored the symptoms for a few months" before a biopsy in 2023 showed he had a rare type of lymphoma.

A previous drummer for the band, Andy Anderson, died aged 68 in 2019 after being diagnosed with cancer.

On Instagram, London-born O'Donnell wrote: "September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month so it's a good opportunity to have a dialogue about these diseases.

"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."

O'Donnell said he has "completed 11 months of treatment under some of the finest specialists in the world and with second opinions".

He had advice from treatment teams, who worked on the cancer drugs he took, along with the latest immunotherapy.

We need your consent to load this Instagram contentWe use Instagram to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

O'Donnell said the "last phase of treatment was radiotherapy", and he is "fine and the prognosis is amazing".

He added: "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.

"Lastly if you know someone who is ill or suffering talk to them, every single word helps, believe me I know."

Signing off, the musician thanked his partner, Mimi, and his medical team.

Blood cancer symptoms can include unexplained weight loss and bruising, breathlessness, rashes, tiredness, and lumps and swellings.

The Cure, whose hits include Boys Don't Cry and Friday I'm in Love, have played the Teenage Cancer Trust series of concerts in the UK.

Led by Robert Smith, the goth rock band was formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in the 1970s with O'Donnell joining during the 1980s.

In 2019, the members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Source: Press Association

If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.


ALSO READ

KSE-100 index closes at 81,459.29, up 997.95 points as investor optimism drives market

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a surge in investor optimism on Thursday, as the bench...

Gold prices in Pakistan reach new record of Rs268,500 per tola

Following a decline in the previous session, gold prices in Pakistan experienced a significant incre...

Number of clinical health staff increasing - Health NZ

Health officials have been marking the growth in the number of full-time clinical roles as evidence ...

Hazard mapping has 'chilling effect' on Nelson property market

Proposed hazard maps for Nelson are allegedly preventing properties across the city from being insur...

Woman called 'bad mum' after chasing down child stealer

A woman who stole an 18-month-old baby told the girl's mother she didn't deserve children when confr...

'Weak' case against diabetic driver thrown out by Australian court

A magistrate has criticised prosecutors as he threw out their "weak" case against a diabetic driver ...