The Cure's Roger O'Donnell reveals he was diagnosed with blood cancer

Roger O'Donnell, The Cure's longtime keyboardist, revealed that he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma in September 2023.

The musician shared his experience on Xformerly known as Twitter, as part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, urging followers to prioritize their health and get screened early.

“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 in and after the surgery, the biopsy result was devastating,” O'Donnell wrote.

After nearly a year of treatment, including surgery, immunotherapy and radiation therapy, he said his health has improved. “I'm fine and the prognosis is amazing.”

He added: “The crazed ax murderer knocked on the door and we didn't answer.”

He added: “Cancer can be beaten but if you catch it early enough you have a much better chance so all I can say is go and get tested, if you have the faintest idea that you might have symptoms go and get tested .

“Finally, if you know someone who is sick or suffering, talk to them, every word helps, believe me I know.”

O'Donnell stressed the importance of early detection, advising: “Cancer can be beaten, but if you catch it early enough, you have a much better chance, so all I can say is get tested if you have the faintest thinking that you can get the symptoms to go away and be examined.”

The Cure recently completed theirs Performances of a lost world in Sept. 2023 and fans won't have to wait long for more from the band.

They will be released in October November: Live in France 2022a double A-side 12″ featuring live versions of new tracks “And Nothing Is Forever” and “I Can Never Say Goodbye”. The limited-edition vinyl release, featuring eco-friendly materials, will support Brian Eno's Earth Percent charity, marking the band's first official release of new music in 16 years.

The Cure's influence on alternative rock is undeniable, with their 2019 album, 40 Live: Curation-25 + Anniversarypeaking at No. 30 on the Billboard 200.

Their previous work, Decompositionremains one of their most famous albums, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard 200 in 1989. Their 2004 self-titled album, The treatmentalso peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, while “Lovesong” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989, making it their highest-charting single in the US. The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.