The Cure’s Roger O’Donnell reveals “rare and aggressive” blood cancer diagnosis

The Cure keyboardist Roger O’Donnell has revealed that he has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of lymphoma.

The 68-years-old took to Instagram to state that he had “ignored the symptoms for a few months” before a biopsy in September 2023 and a subsequent surgery.

He added he has “completed 11 months of treatment under some of the finest specialists in the world and with second opinions,” saying that the “last phase of treatment was radiotherapy”, and he is “fine and the prognosis is amazing.”

 

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The London-born musician explained that he was sharing the news as part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in September

“Cancer can be beaten but if you are diagnosed early enough you stand a way better chance,” he continued, before urging people to “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,” O'Donnell concluded, “every single word helps, believe me I know."

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

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