The Cure's Roger O'Donnell Reveals Blood Cancer Diagnosis

The keyboardist was diagnosed with a "very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma" last year, but says "the prognosis is amazing"

Photo: Elisabet Davidsdottir

BY Megan LaPierrePublished Sep 3, 2024

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Cure's Roger O'Donnell has taken the opportunity to open up about his diagnosis with a "very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma."

The keyboardist took to his social media accounts over the weekend to reveal that he was diagnosed with blood cancer a year ago. "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," he admitted.

O'Donnell said that he has now completed 11 months of treatment. "I'm fine and the prognosis is amazing, the mad axe murderer knocked on the door and we didn't answer," he wrote. "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."

The band — which O'Donnell has played in since 1987 — recently announced the eco-vinyl release of a live album recorded in France in 2022, which features new songs "And Nothing Is Forever" and "I Can Never Say Goodbye," expected to appear on the long-awaited follow-up to 2008's 4:13 Dream.

See O'Donnell's Instagram post about his diagnosis below.

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