Beloved Australian actress Magda Szubanski has revealed she’s battling a “very rare, very aggressive and very serious” cancer.

Beloved Australian actress Magda Szubanski has revealed she has been diagnosed with stage four Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a “rare and fast-moving” blood cancer.

The 64-year-old comedian and writer shared the devastating news with fans in a heartfelt video posted to social media on Thursday.

“Lovelies. Well. Some not great news,” she wrote.

Magda Szubanski poses after speaking on stage during the City of Sydney CityTalks event at Sydney Town Hall. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
“I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma- a rare and fast-moving blood cancer.”

Szubanski, best known for her iconic role as Sharon in the Aussie sitcom Kath & Kim, said the diagnosis is “very rare, very aggressive, and very serious” and has already begun treatment.

“I’ve started one of the best treatments available (the Nordic protocol), and I’m lucky to be getting absolutely world-class care here in Melbourne,” she said.

“I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s rough. But I’m hopeful. I’m being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I’ve never felt more held by the people around me.”

In the video, Magda moved her hand over her head, revealing that it was shaved “in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks.”

“It’s one of the nasty ones, unfortunately,” she said of her lymphoma.

“But the good thing is, I’m surrounded by beautiful friends and family, and an incredible medical support team.

“Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne, so I feel very fortunate.”

She said she’ll be “lying very low” while undergoing treatment, particularly as her immune system takes a major hit.

“So if you see me out and about- don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me!” she wrote.

“Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.”

The actress explained that her cancer was only discovered by chance during a routine breast screening, which detected swollen lymph nodes.

Magda (far right) is best known for playing Sharon in the hit ABC TV series Kath & Kim. Picture: NCA
“TBH, I’ve been feeling pretty rats*** for ages,” she admitted.

“So I asked for extra bloods and- voila!”

She urged others to trust their instincts when it comes to their health.

“So the takeaway is- get tested and listen to your body!”

Signing off with her trademark humour, she added: “For now, just know I’m in good hands, good spirits-  but I reserve my human right to be a cranky old moll. Love you all, Mag.”

Since posting the announcement, Magda’s message has been flooded with support from fans and fellow celebrities.

Magda’s last social media video was in February. Picture: Instagram @magda_szubanski

She admitted she hadn’t been feeling her best for a while. Picture: Instagram @magda_szubanski
Actress Teresa Palmer wrote: “Oh Mags, I’m so sorry to hear this sh** news, you’re such an inspiration to so many of us, an icon for the ages,” while media personality David Campbell added: “I love you so bloody much.”

Amber Petty, best friend of Tasmianian-born Queen Mary of Denmark, said: “We’ve got you!” alongside two love heart emojis.

According to Lymphoma Australia, stage four Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in Australia signifies the most advanced stage of the disease, meaning it has spread beyond the initial lymph nodes to other areas of the body, including the bone marrow, liver, and lungs.

While MCL is often treated as an aggressive lymphoma, even at stage four, there are various treatment options available, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplants.

Clinical trials also offer new and promising treatment approaches.