A longstanding member of the British music ensemble The Cure has disclosed that he has been receiving treatment for almost a year following a diagnosis of a “highly aggressive” type of blood cancer.
Keyboardist Roger O’Donnell, 68, shared his journey on Instagram, admitting that he “overlooked the indications for a few months” prior to undergoing a scan and subsequently surgery.
A follow-up biopsy conducted in September 2023 revealed he had a “very uncommon and aggressive form of lymphoma,” which O’Donnell described as “devastating”.
O’Donnell in 2013. Pic: AP
The instrumentalist, who became part of the goth rock band in 1987, noted that he has “completed 11 months of treatment under the care of some of the most exceptional specialists globally and sought second opinions”.
He received guidance from treatment teams that collaborated on the cancer medications he utilized, in addition to the most advanced immunotherapy options.
O’Donnell mentioned that the “final stage of treatment involved radiotherapy”, and he is “doing well and the prognosis is excellent”.
In 2019, a former drummer for the group, Andy Anderson, passed away at the age of 68 after being diagnosed with cancer.
O’Donnell conveyed his message on social media on Sunday, indicating that September is blood cancer awareness month, “making it a fitting time to engage in discussions surrounding these illnesses”.
(L-R) The Cure’s Jason Cooper, Simon Gallup, Robert Smith, Roger O’Donnell, and Perry Bamonte at Hollywood’s Rockwalk in Los Angeles in 2004. Pic: AP
He further expressed that cancer “can be overcome, but if detected early, your chances of survival significantly improve”.
The artist encouraged individuals to “get tested; if you even think you may have symptoms, seek immediate medical evaluation”.
Symptoms of blood cancer may encompass unexplained weight loss, bruising, dyspnea, skin rashes, fatigue, and lumps or swellings.
Under the leadership of Robert Smith, The Cure was established in Crawley, West Sussex, during the 1970s.
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The group, renowned for tracks such as Boys Don’t Cry and Friday I’m In Love, has also performed at the Teenage Cancer Trust series of concerts.
O’Donnell departed the band in 1990 and subsequently reunited with them from 1995 until 2005 before rejoining in 2011.
