The Project stars become emotional as they react to Magda Szubanski’s cancer diagnosis: ‘An entire nation on your side’

By MEGAN WATTS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 15:33 BST, 29 May 2025 | Updated: 15:34 BST, 29 May 2025

The Project panel have emotionally sent their well-wishes to Magda Szubanski in the wake of her stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

The comedian, 64, who has featured in the likes of Kath and Kim and Babe, revealed that she is battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma – a rare and fast-moving blood cancer.

The TV hosts were teary-eyed in Thursday night’s segment as they addressed the devastating news and gushed over a ‘universally loved’ Aussie icon.

‘It’s rare you’ve got an entire nation on your side, but that’s what Magda has, especially in this fight,’ co-host Georgie Tunny shared with a crack in her voice.

‘She’s just so well-loved and hopefully she can get through this.’

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The Project panel have emotionally sent their well-wishes to Magda Szubanski in the wake of her stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Pictured: Waleed Aly and Georgie Tunny

The comedian, who has featured in the likes of Kath and Kim and Babe, revealed that she is battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma – a rare and fast-moving blood cancer. Magda is pictured 

Co-host Waleed Aly reflected on the ‘terrifying’ cancer experience, saying that ‘you know what’s coming’ even if your body can’t quite feel it yet.  

‘It’s the fear of the imagination of it all,’ he added.

Georgie went on to say that there was something about ‘people who make us laugh’ that really pulls at the heartstrings.

‘When people make you laugh, it’s like you have a special place in your heart for them because they’ve been there to give you joy’ she said. 

Waleed ended the segment with a heartfelt message to Magda, reflecting on the many times she had appeared on the show.

‘Everyone at The Project is sending you love Mags,’ he said.

‘We know you’ve sat at this desk many times – you’re a friend of the show – so all the best.’

The Australian comedian announced she is battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma – a rare and fast-moving blood cancer – in a video on Thursday.

Georgie went on to say that there was something about ‘people who make us laugh’ that really pull at the heartstrings

She appeared on camera with a shaved head after beginning her treatment to fight the disease.

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

MCL is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma – a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system.

Around 70 per cent of MCL patients are diagnosed at stage 4. While it’s an advanced stage, treatment can be effective, and many patients live for years after diagnosis.

There is no known cure, but treatment can put the disease into remission. The cancer was discovered ‘incidentally’ during a breast screen, Magda said.

Magda said she had been feeling ‘pretty rats*** for ages’ prior to diagnosis.

‘I asked for extra bloods and – voila – so the take away is – get tested and listen to your body.’

Magda said she is getting one of the best treatments available for her cancer, known as the Nordic protocol, a new type of treatment that combines chemo with immunotherapy.

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The Project stars become emotional as they react to Magda Szubanski’s cancer diagnosis: ‘An entire nation on your side’

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