Comedian Magda Szubanski in remission after stage 4 blood cancer treatment
The beloved actress and comedian announced today that her cancer is in remission. (Instagram)
In short:
Magda Szubanski has announced in a social media video that she is in remission after finishing chemotherapy.
The popular Australian entertainer was diagnosed with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma last year.
What's next?
Szubanski says while it is not a cure, it means she will hopefully "keep the cancer at bay for a good, long time".
Australian comedian Magda Szubanski has revealed she is in remission after completing chemotherapy treatment for stage 4 blood cancer.
The 64-year-old, best known for her roles in Babe and Kath & Kim, announced she had been diagnosed with a "very rare, very aggressive, very serious" cancer called mantle cell lymphoma in May last year.
But in a video posted on her social media profile today, Szubanski expressed her "big relief" that she was in remission.
"I wanted to share the fantastic news, which is that I've completed chemo and am now in remission," she said.
"It's not a cure, but because I've got a good remission, that hopefully means I will keep the cancer at bay for a good, long time."
With a career spanning decades, Szubanski achieved international acclaim for her role as Esme Hoggett in the film Babe.
She also played the netball-loving and perpetually injured character of Sharon Strzelecki in popular Australian sitcom Kath & Kim.
In August, she was the fifth woman to be inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame.
Szubanski gives 'huge thank you' for support
In the video, Szubanski offered a "special, huge thank you" for all the love and support given to her since her diagnosis, as well as her "eternal gratitude" to her medical team.
"It was just like a tsunami coming at me, and honestly, I swear to God, it helped me not only emotionally — I think it really helped me physically too," she said.
"I felt so loved up and cared for. So eternal gratitude, thank you so much for that."
Szubanski is well known for her role as Sharon Strzelecki on the Australian sitcom Kath & Kim. (ABC Archive)
Szubanski also jokingly referred to misinformation spread online about her health condition.
"What else do I have to tell you? Seems I'm not dead … well I better check with social media because that knows more about me than I do," she said.
She also said she was "gutted" that she would not attend the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this weekend, but wished attendees "a wonderful time and big love to you all".
Fellow celebrities have since shared their love and support to Szubanski on her social media post.
Journalist Lisa Wilkinson said it was "wonderful WONDERFUL news!".
"Your beautiful light is shining. Continued love and strength always," she wrote.
Performer Natalie Imbruglia said it was "the best news darling!", while comedian Kate McLennan said she was "so pleased to hear this news".
What is mantle cell lymphoma?
Mantle cell lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system.
It is one of about 60 subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to the Cancer Council's website.
Mantle cell lymphoma affects a type of white blood cell called a B-cell and is named for the mantle zone — the outer ring — of the lymph nodes where it develops.