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Award-winning ABC journo passes away just one month after retiring

Veteran journalist and Walkley Award winner Peter Ryan has died at the age of 64, following a long battle with metastatic thyroid cancer. Ryan passed away in Sydney on Friday night, his family confirmed. The esteemed journalist spent 45 years reporting for the ABC, earning a reputation for his fearless reporting, deep integrity and generous mentorship. Diagnosed in 2014, Ryan continued to work through his illness, most recently serving as the ABC’s senior business correspondent before retiring in June this year to enter palliative care. He chose to spend his final months with his wife Marry Cotter and daughter Charlotte. Beginning his career as a cadet and copyboy at the Sydney Daily Mirror, Ryan went on to become a pillar of the ABC newsroom. His roles included head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, Washington bureau chief, and founding editor of Lateline Business, which evolved into The Business in 2012. In 2017, Ryan won a Walkley Award for his investigative coverage of the Commonwealth Bank scandal, uncovering how millions of dollars flowed through the bank’s intelligent deposit machines to criminal syndicates. Five years later, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his service to journalism. Upon his retirement, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers described Ryan as an “absolute legend”. “If you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got the essential elements of what was happening in the economy, it would be Peter’s,” Chalmers said. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers across the country. Former ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland called Ryan “unrivalled” in his journalism, noting that he was both “courageous” in his work and a “generous mentor”. “He had a big impact on so many ABC careers,” Rowland said. “We’ve all lost a good one.” ABC News senior director Justin Stevens praised Ryan’s “significant legacy”, saying he touched the lives of many at the broadcaster through his mentorship and friendship. “Through his journalism, he had a profound impact on the lives of Australians and our society,” Stevens said. “It was a privilege to know him and work alongside him.” Even as his career drew to a close, Ryan remained focused on nurturing the next generation of reporters. In his final words of advice, he urged young journalists to stay passionate and curious, to be prepared and kind. “Avoid cynicism – be passionate,” he said. “Show up early. Be kind and caring to people who need it.” Peter Ryan’s voice, insight and warmth will be deeply missed. Images: ABC

Caring

Veteran Aussie soap star diagnosed with cancer

Beloved Australian-born actor Tristan Rogers has been diagnosed with cancer, just eight months after making his final appearance on General Hospital, the soap that made him a household name. The 79-year-old is currently undergoing treatment in hospital, with his family and medical team by his side. The sad news was confirmed by his longtime representative Anthony Turk, who said the actor is "working closely with his medical team on a treatment plan" and that this is “a challenging time for Tristan and his family”. "As they face both the emotional and physical burdens that come with this diagnosis, the family kindly asks for privacy and understanding," Turk said in a statement. “They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and love from their friends and family.” Rogers, who played the charming and quick-witted Robert Scorpio on General Hospital for over four decades, has expressed gratitude to his loyal fan base. “Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years,” the statement read. “This support means more to him now than ever.” Rogers first stepped into the role of Scorpio in 1980, becoming a mainstay of the daytime drama for 17 years before his character was written off – only to return, soap-style, from the dead in 2006. His final scenes aired on November 12, 2024, during the show’s 62nd season, when Scorpio departed Port Charles with his ex-wife, Holly Sutton. Throughout his storied career, Rogers also featured in The Bay, Studio City, The Young and the Restless, and The Love Boat. His performance in Studio City earned him a Daytime Emmy Award in 2020, a career high point he later called “numbing” and “exciting”. Born in Melbourne, Rogers got his start in Australian TV staples like Bellbird, Number 96, The Box and Division 4, before relocating to the United States, where he found international fame. He has been married to Teresa Parkerson since 1995, and the couple share two children: daughter Sara Jane, 32, and son Cale, 28. Images: Instagram

Caring

Shocking details after father faces court over drowning of 7-month-old

A Queensland father accused of the manslaughter of his seven-month-old son has been denied bail after a court heard he woke up “laughing” and tried to flee the scene where the baby was found drowned. Jaye Lee Walton, 42, appeared via video link in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday, facing a charge of manslaughter over the death of his son, Reef Hunter Walton, on July 12. The court was told Walton, his partner Amy Stevenson, and their infant son were camping overnight at Chatsworth Park near Gympie while travelling home to Innisfail in Far North Queensland. According to police, Walton consumed an entire four-litre cask of wine the night before the tragedy but still cared for his teething son through the night. Magistrate Robert Walker, reading from the bail affidavit, said the following morning Reef became unsettled during breakfast, and Walton offered to take him to the toilet block to clean him up. When he failed to return after 30 minutes, Ms Stevenson went to look for them. She allegedly found Walton asleep near the edge of a pond, while baby Reef was face down in the water, about 10 metres from the bank. “[She] started screaming at you, but realised you were asleep,” Magistrate Walker said. “She entered the water, recovered the child, returned to the bank and commenced CPR.” Walton was reportedly “smiling or laughing” when he awoke and appeared “oblivious” to the situation. He allegedly fled the scene on foot but returned shortly after due to the actions of bystanders. Police also allege that Walton refused to provide a breath sample at the scene, despite initially agreeing. The court heard he has a history of alcohol-related traffic offences but no significant criminal record. Defence lawyer Mark Butler argued the charge amounted to manslaughter by criminal negligence and said there was no evidence Walton had ever harmed his child or come to the attention of Child Safety authorities. “There is no allegation that my client has been anything other than a loving father,” Mr Butler said, referencing Ms Stevenson’s statement that described Walton as “amazing” with Reef and heavily involved in his care. However, Magistrate Walker questioned the negligence classification, citing witness claims that Walton was seen throwing the baby into the water. “One woman told [Ms Stevenson]: ‘The guys were saying they saw him throw him into the water,’” he said. Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Michael Read told the court some of the alleged witnesses had not yet been interviewed and that police inquiries were ongoing. Magistrate Walker ultimately denied bail, citing the risk to others posed by Walton’s drinking and concerns for his mental health. The court heard he allegedly told officers “there’s nothing else left” following Reef’s death and had attempted to harm himself while in custody. “There is good evidence that if released on bail, you would be a danger to yourself,” Mr Walker said. Walton is expected to return to court on August 4. Image: Queensland Police

Legal

Tragic update in drowning of 7-month-old after man arrested

A community is in mourning after a seven-month-old baby boy died in a suspected drowning at a popular campsite near Gympie, north of the Sunshine Coast. Emergency services were called to the Chatsworth Park rest area about 10.30am on Saturday, after the boy’s mother found him in a nearby lake, roughly 50 metres from their campsite. Bystanders desperately performed CPR while waiting for paramedics, who rushed the critically injured child to Gympie Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, the baby died later that night. The family had stopped at the free campground for the night while returning to their home in North Queensland. Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield said on Monday that the death was being treated as “unexplained”, and that investigations were ongoing. However, on Tuesday, a 42-year-old man – who police say is known to the child – was arrested in Bundamba, west of Brisbane. He has since been charged with manslaughter (domestic violence). The man is due to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court. The heartbreaking case has shaken locals and left many seeking answers about how such a tragedy could unfold during what was meant to be a peaceful family stopover. Images: WIN TV / 7 NEWS

Legal

Hollywood star sings to her mother in hospital during cancer battle

Kate Beckinsale has shared an emotional video of herself singing to her mother, Judy Loe, as the 77-year-old remains in hospital while bravely battling stage four cancer. The tender moment, posted to Instagram, shows the Underworld actress gently serenading her mum with the Everly Brothers’ 1958 song Bye, Bye Love, revealing the choice had a deeply personal meaning. “When my mum was 14, she was in a harmony group with her best friends Mary, Sylvia (known as Fuzzy to this day because of an unfortunate perm decades ago), and Chris,” Beckinsale wrote. “I am a very poor substitute not being a very good singer but I want my mum’s dearest and oldest friends in her hospital room with her.” Beckinsale, 51, thanked her mother’s friends and signed off the post with love and humour, saying, “Love you all but most especially my mum. X and apologise to anybody in the hospital subject to my dreadful singing 🤍.” While the cause of Loe’s current hospital stay is unclear, the actress and her mother have been enduring wave after wave of heartbreak. Earlier this year, the family lost Roy Battersby, Loe’s husband and Beckinsale’s stepfather, who passed away at 87. He was a renowned British television director and a guiding presence in their lives. In a previous post, Beckinsale opened up about the compounding grief that’s taken a severe toll on her health. “I watched my stepfather die quite shockingly, my mother has stage 4 cancer, and I lost a lot of weight from stress and grief, quite quickly,” she wrote. She went on to reveal that the emotional strain had physical consequences. “I was in hospital for six weeks because the grief had burned a hole in my oesophagus which made me vomit copious amounts of blood, and I found eating very hard.” Support has poured in for Beckinsale online, with many followers sending kind messages. One wrote: “Bless you, darling Kate. I wish we could hold our mums’ hands and hearts forever and ever.” As she continues to care for her mother through unimaginable pain, Beckinsale’s heartfelt video stands as a raw and powerful reminder of the depth of love and the quiet ways we try to ease each other’s suffering. Images: Instagram

Caring

Lung cancer screening is about to start. Here's what you need to know

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> From July, eligible Australians will be screened for <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">lung cancer</a> as part of the nation’s first new <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/cancer/screening-for-cancer">cancer screening</a> program for almost 20 years. The program aims to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms emerge and cancer spreads. This early detection and treatment is predicted to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a>. <h2>Why lung cancer?</h2> <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Lung cancer</a> is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer but causes the greatest number of cancer deaths. It’s <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">more common</a> in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, rural and remote Australians, and lower income groups than in the general population. <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Overall</a>, less than one in five patients with lung cancer will survive five years. But for those diagnosed when the cancer is small and has not spread, two-thirds of people survive five years. <h2>Who is eligible?</h2> The lung cancer screening program only targets people at higher risk of lung cancer, based on their smoking history and their age. This is different to a population-wide screening program, such as screening for bowel cancer, which is based on age alone. The lung cancer program <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">screens people</a> 50-70 years old with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as breathlessness, a persisting cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, becoming very tired or losing weight. To be eligible, current smokers must also have a history of at least 30 “<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pack-year">pack years</a>”. To calculate this you multiply the number of packets (of 20 cigarettes) you smoke a day by the number of years you’ve been smoking them. For instance, if you smoke one packet (20 cigarettes) a day for a year that is one pack year. Smoking two packets a day for six months (half a year) is also a pack year. People who have quit smoking in the past ten years but have accumulated 30 or more pack years before quitting are also eligible. <h2>What does screening involve?</h2> Ask your GP or health worker if you are eligible. If you are, you will be referred for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. This uses much lower doses of x-rays than a regular CT but is enough to find nodules in the lung. These are small lumps which could be clumps of cancer cells, inflammatory cells or scarring from old infections. Imaging involves lying on a table for 10-15 minutes while the scanner takes images of your chest. So people must also be able to lie flat in a scanner to be part of the program. After the scan, the results are sent to you, your GP and the <a href="https://www.ncsr.gov.au/">National Cancer Screening Register</a>. You’ll be contacted if the scan is normal and will then be reminded in two years’ time to screen again. If your scan has findings that need to be followed, you will be sent back to your GP who may arrange a further scan in <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#the-screening-pathway">three to 12 months</a>. If lung cancer is suspected, you will be referred to a lung specialist for further tests. <h2>What are the benefits and risks?</h2> <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793">International</a> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(25)00082-8/fulltext">trials</a> show screening people at high risk of lung cancer reduces their chance of dying prematurely from it, and the benefits outweigh any harm. The aim is to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a> by <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#why-screening-is-important">increasing the detection</a> of <a href="https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/lung-cancer/diagnosis/staging-prognosis/">stage 1 disease</a> (a small cancer, 4 centimetres or less, confined to the lung), which has a greater chance of being treated successfully. The risks of radiation exposure are minimised by using low-dose CT screening. The other greatest risk is a false positive. This is where the imaging suggests cancer, but further tests rule it out. This varies across studies from almost <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in ten to one in two</a> of those having their first scan. If imaging suggests cancer, this usually requires a repeat scan. But about <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in 100</a> of those whose imaging suggests cancer but were later found not to have it have invasive biopsies. This involves taking a sample of the nodule to see if it contains cancerous cells. Some people will be diagnosed with a cancer that will never cause a problem in their lifetime, for instance because it is slow growing or they are likely to die of other illnesses first. This so-called overdiagnosis varies from <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">none to two-thirds of lung cancers diagnosed</a>, depending on the study. <h2>How much will it cost?</h2> The Australian government <a href="https://lungfoundation.com.au/advocacy/national-lung-cancer-screening-program/">has earmarked</a> A$264 million over four years to screen for lung cancer, and $101 million a year after that. The initial GP consultation will be free if your GP bulk bills, or if not you may be charged an out-of-pocket fee for the consultation. This may be a barrier to the uptake of screening. Subsequent investigations and consultations will be billed as usual. There will be no cost for the low-dose CT scans. <h2>What should I do?</h2> If you are 50-70 and a heavy smoker see your GP about screening for lung cancer. But the <a href="https://www.ilcn.org/smoking-cessation-in-lung-cancer-screening-the-latest-randomized-controlled-trial-evidence/">greater gain</a> in terms of reducing your risk of lung cancer is to also give up smoking. If you’ve already given up smoking, you’ve already reduced your risk of lung cancer. However, since lung cancer can take several years to develop or show on a CT scan, see your GP if you were once a heavy smoker but have quit in the past ten years to see if you are eligible for screening. By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-olver-1047">Ian Olver</a>, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/lung-cancer-screening-is-about-to-start-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-smoke-or-have-quit-253227">original article</a>. Image: Pexels / Towfiqu barbhuiya </div>

Caring

"I’ve had nine melanomas - now I help others detect skin cancer before it’s too late"

You never know when a moment could change your life. Just ask Melissa Bates. At 43, Melissa was rundown and exhausted, focused solely on caring for her sick daughter. But during a routine GP visit, the doctor noticed something unusual – not in her child, but in Melissa. "You don’t sound too great either – mind if I listen to your chest?" the GP asked. What followed was a chance discovery of a suspicious spot on her back and a suggestion she never expected: get it checked. Melissa admits she didn’t rush. "It took me six months to get a biopsy and it turned out to be melanoma." That was just the beginning. Over the next seven years, Melissa had nine melanomas removed – from her back, left leg and left arm. But here's the surprising part: Melissa had always played it safe in the sun. "I don’t tan. I don’t lie in the sun. I’ve never touched a solarium in my life. I’ve always worn sunscreen and hats." Growing up with a GP stepdad who drilled in sun safety, Melissa followed all the rules. "Don’t go out between 11 and 2,” he’d say. Even so, her fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes made her high-risk. "I played sports outdoors constantly as a kid – tennis, surfing, little athletics, horse riding. Even with all the caution, my skin’s always been high-risk." The good news? Melissa’s melanomas were all caught early. "I feel very fortunate they were melanoma in situ, and I only had to have 9 biopsies and 10 operations without chemotherapy or radiation because they were detected early." Today, at 49, Melissa lives on 130 acres with 20 head of cattle, raising two teenage daughters – and she’s passionate about encouraging others to stay vigilant. "I have a mission to help others catch skin cancers early." Leading dermatologist <a href="https://www.getmoshy.com.au/?utm_source=paid-search&utm_medium=adwords&utm_campaign=Moshy_Cross_Search_Brand&utm_content=150994372969&utm_term=get%20moshy&hsa_acc=9605530456&hsa_cam=19998630651&hsa_grp=150994372969&hsa_ad=690117752345&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-2273660214860&hsa_kw=get%20moshy&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19998630651&gbraid=0AAAAApT1_CN5CSXJEVhBexqHMmCQF3We2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvO7CBhAqEiwA9q2YJUsDL3T-6Mwc8iq0OJi6CBWpC2YlJaV_dUCWiU5AW4kz2zhkc542NhoCqS4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moshy</a>'s Dr Ludi Ge agrees that year-round protection is key. She warns that even in winter, UV levels can reach 3 or higher – high enough to damage skin. And while most people remember sunscreen in summer, winter is just as important. Making a skin check part of your yearly routine might just save your life – just like it did for Melissa. Images: Supplied

Body

Shock after true extent of Princess Kate's cancer battle revealed

Shocking new revelations have shed light on the true severity of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ private health battle, with reports now claiming the royal is “fortunate to even be speaking of recovery” following an intense and harrowing cancer fight throughout 2024. In June last year, the princess appeared poised and radiant at Trooping the Colour – waving to crowds and smiling with trademark composure. But hidden beneath her Jenny Packham dress was a semi-permanent port embedded in her chest, a small but vital medical device delivering life-saving chemotherapy. At the time, the extent of her illness remained entirely unknown to the public. Kensington Palace has never confirmed what type of cancer Kate was battling, nor offered a timeline beyond a brief video statement in March. But now, a deeply personal report by the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English has detailed just how critical her condition was – and the lengths the future queen went to maintain a sense of normalcy. English writes that the princess had already been “seriously unwell” before undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. Post-operative testing revealed cancer, prompting immediate chemotherapy and the insertion of the port – a direct line for potent treatment into a vein near the heart. “It was a literal lifeline,” English reported, “which offers no cast-iron guarantee of success, even if you are a royal.” Kate’s courage to appear publicly – even as she endured punishing side effects – was reportedly accompanied by deeply private suffering. Aides have since revealed she endured “months of hell” with multiple hospital visits conducted in secrecy, entering through side doors at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital. The new information arrives in the wake of a last-minute cancellation at Royal Ascot earlier this month, where palace insiders reportedly reacted with alarm after the princess withdrew just 30 minutes before her expected arrival. Rumours briefly swirled that she required urgent medical attention, a sign that her recovery remains fragile. Sources say the ordeal has prompted Kate to “recalibrate her entire life”, with royal duties to be dramatically scaled back for the rest of the year. She is still expected to attend Wimbledon and join the French state visit in July, but a broader return to public life appears uncertain. An overseas tour remains unlikely, and Prince William is expected to travel alone to Brazil in November for the Earthshot Prize. As one palace insider put it, the recent upheaval is “a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo… It can take years [to recover].” While Kate is now said to be through treatment, the question of when – or if – she will return to a full royal workload remains unanswered. As English wrote earlier this year: “The Princess of Wales has been to hell and back.” Now, it’s clear just how far she had to travel – and how much strength it took to return. Images: Instagram

Caring

"Three months to live": Channel 10 star shares emotional battle with incurable cancer

Channel 10 presenter Barry Du Bois has opened up in a raw and heartbreaking letter about his ongoing battle with cancer, revealing the devastating moment he was told he had just months to live. In a deeply personal essay for <a href="https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/channel-10-star-barry-du-bois-reveals-harrowing-moment-he-was-given-three-months-to-live/news-story/20a2e0a910358c1861d2c4d23c8cd617" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Gold Coast Bulletin</a>, the father of two recalled the chilling day a doctor delivered a prognosis that shattered his world: “I had three months to live.” “I was sitting in a cold, unfamiliar consult room at the hospital, my wife’s hand holding mine … then a doctor who had known me for only a few hours looked me in the eye and told me I had three months to live,” Du Bois wrote. Du Bois was first diagnosed in 2010 with solitary plasmacytoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. While he survived that initial battle, the disease returned in 2017 – this time as multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer that attacks the immune system and bone marrow. Since then, the 63-year-old Living Room star has fought on, defying the odds with remarkable strength and grace. But as he revealed in the letter, his path has been anything but easy. His strength, he said, was forged through years of pain: breaking his back in a 14-metre fall, a gruelling and heartbreaking IVF journey with his wife Leonie that ended in miscarriage, and her own cervical cancer diagnosis just weeks later. “When I got my diagnosis – incurable cancer, three months to live – I didn’t fall apart,” he wrote. “I knew that from leaning into the previous adversities of life I had the resilience to give the fight of my life.” Still, Du Bois admitted there was a time he came perilously close to giving up. After Leonie’s miscarriage and illness, the darkness nearly swallowed him. “I avoided conversation and started a continual negative conversation with myself that took me into the darkness … depression is a lonely state and I refused to share my pain. I saw it as a weakness.” In the end, it was his family that pulled him back and helped him find purpose again. Since then, Du Bois has become a powerful voice for others fighting chronic illness and mental health struggles, using his platform to share candid updates on life, treatment and the importance of hope. “I was overwhelmed with fear, uncertainty and the unknown,” he said of that early diagnosis. “But through it all, I realised something that I feel is why I am here today: It wasn’t going to be cancer that defined me but the way I choose to approach it.” From his early TV days on The Renovators in 2011 to his long-running role on The Living Room alongside Amanda Keller, Miguel Maestre and Dr Chris Brown, Du Bois has become a familiar and much-loved face on Australian screens. But behind the smiles and strength lies a story of extraordinary pain and courage. His fight continues. And so too does his mission: to live fully, love deeply, and face each day not with fear, but with determination. Images: Instagram

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What is mantle cell lymphoma? Magda Szubanski’s ‘rare and fast-moving’ cancer explained

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822"> </a>Beloved Australian actor Magda Szubanski has revealed she’s been diagnosed with a “very rare, very aggressive, very serious” blood cancer called mantle cell lymphoma. In a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magda_szubanski/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/">post on social media</a>, Szubanski said she would be starting treatment in a few weeks for the stage 4 cancer, which she called “one of the nasty ones, unfortunately”. So, what is mantle cell lymphoma? And how is it treated? <h2>What is mantle cell lymphoma?</h2> There are more than 100 subtypes of blood cancers, but they are commonly divided into one of two groups. These are <a href="https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/leukemia-vs-lymphoma-what-is-the-difference">based on</a> where they originate: leukaemias develop in the bone marrow, and lymphomas develop in the lymphatic system. Lymphomas develop from white blood cells (lymphocytes), which circulate in the blood and lymphatic system and help fight infection. You may not have heard of the <a href="https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/lymphatic-system">lymphatic system</a>, but it plays a key role in your immune response. The lymphatic circulatory system is responsible for transporting fluids (lymph) around your body. <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lymph#:%7E:text=Listen%20to%20pronunciation,the%20body%20in%20lymph%20vessels.">Lymph</a> comes from blood plasma, and helps remove waste from your tissues. As part of the lymphatic system, tissues like the spleen and thymus help produce many of the immune cells you use to fight infections. These cells are then housed in specialised organs called lymph nodes – small pea-sized glands located throughout your body. Lymph nodes are kind of like the “war room” of your <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/">immune</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/">system</a>. Your body contains hundreds of lymph nodes, and each contains millions of lymphocytes. These include the T and B cells – the main fighting cells in adaptive immunity. If B cells in an area of the lymph node known as the “<a href="https://www.lymphoma.org.au/types-of-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/aggressive-fast-growing-b-cell-nhl/mantle-cell-lymphoma-mcl/">mantle zone</a>” become cancerous, it is called mantle cell lymphoma. <h2>How rare is it?</h2> In 2020, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/blood-cancer-incidence-and-survival-by-histology-e">there were 330 cases</a> of mantle cell lymphoma diagnosed in Australia, accounting for a small fraction (5%) of lymphoma cases. Overall, lymphomas account for around <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/lymphoma/lymphoma-australia-statistics">one in twenty</a> new cancer diagnoses. This makes mantle cell lymphoma quite rare. Mantle cell lymphoma is about <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/blood-cancer-incidence-and-survival-by-histology-e">three times more common in men than in women</a>, and mostly affects people over the age of 60. <h2>Is there a cure?</h2> Unfortunately, mantle cell lymphoma is largely <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajh.26523">considered incurable</a> with the therapies currently available. Like many cancers, mantle cell lymphoma can vary in how quickly it develops and its severity. As Szubanski’s cancer has been described as “fast-moving” and is already stage 4, it appears that it is a more serious case. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage – meaning the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-cancer-spread-to-other-parts-of-the-body-219616">cancer has spread</a> (metastasised) to other tissues. Treatment at this stage can be more complicated than when the cancer is caught earlier. But treatment can still help people go on to live for many years. <h2>What does treatment involve?</h2> In her social media post, Szubanski said she will be receiving “one of the best treatments available (the Nordic protocol)”. This is one of the most common treatments for an aggressive lymphoma. The main component is “R-CHOP” – a <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/r-chop">combination therapy</a>. It involves a mixture of different drugs, including chemotherapy, to attack the cancer from multiple angles at the same time. Different strengths of the drugs can be used (the maximum strength is sometimes called R-maxi-CHOP). A stem cell transplantation may also be included in the regimen. How effective this treatment is will depend on many different factors, including the type and stage of the lymphoma. The aim is to kill as many cancer cells as possible, and therefore extend a patient’s life for as long as possible. Therapy also focuses on providing a high quality-of-life for patients. <h2>How is it diagnosed?</h2> Szubanski’s mantle cell lymphoma was detected during a breast cancer screen where, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magda_szubanski/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/">she says</a>, “they found my lymph nodes were up”. Imaging techniques, such as a mammogram or MRI, may detect tell-tale signs of lymphoma, such as swollen lymph nodes. However a biopsy – <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/biopsy/art-20043922">a small sample of tissue from the affected area</a> – would then be required to confirm the presence of cancer cells and identify what type. Blood cancer symptoms can be vague, but it’s good to know what to look for. As well as swollen lymph nodes, <a href="https://www.leukaemia.org.au/blood-cancer/blood-cancer-signs-and-symptoms/">symptoms of lymphoma</a> include nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, fevers, gastrointestinal issues, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats. If you have any concerns, you should consult a doctor.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/257821/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-eddie-la-marca-1503690">John (Eddie) La Marca</a>, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822">WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) </a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-diepstraten-1495268">Sarah Diepstraten</a>, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/wehi-walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-of-medical-research-822">WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) </a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-mantle-cell-lymphoma-magda-szubanskis-rare-and-fast-moving-cancer-explained-257821">original article</a>. Image: ABC / Instagram </div>

Body

Magda Szubanski shares devastating health news

Beloved actor and comedian Magda Szubanski has revealed she is facing a deeply personal and harrowing health battle, after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The 64-year-old star, best known for her iconic roles in Kath & Kim, Babe, and Ride Like a Girl, shared the devastating news in an emotional message posted to social media on Wednesday. "Hello, my lovelies," she began, her trademark warmth shining through despite the gravity of her words. "The head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks." Szubanski went on to reveal that she has been diagnosed with a “very rare, very aggressive lymphoma”, which she described as “one of the nasty ones unfortunately”. The news has rocked fans across the country, many of whom have followed Szubanski's decades-long career and have embraced her not only as a performer, but as a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. Despite the confronting nature of her diagnosis, Szubanski offered a glimpse of her enduring spirit. “It’s pretty confronting. It is a full-on one,” she said. “But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time … I’ve just got to (laughs). What do you? What are you gonna do?” In the post, she expressed gratitude for the people around her, noting, “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.” She also asked fans and well-wishers to keep their distance physically due to her compromised immune system: “Please keep a distance though because I will be very immunocompromised. So as I can’t hug no more.” The actor indicated that more information will be shared in an official statement soon. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKOM_tZSuO2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Magda Szubanski (@magda_szubanski)</a> </div> </blockquote> Szubanski has long been open about her private struggles. In her acclaimed 2014 memoir Reckoning, she candidly wrote about her complex relationship with food, identity, and her sexuality. Her public coming out in 2012 was a landmark moment, one she later described as among the most frightening experiences of her life. Messages of love and support have flooded social media, with fans, fellow actors and public figures rallying around one of Australia’s most cherished cultural voices. Image: Instagram

Caring

AFL legend passes away after cancer battle

The Australian football community is in mourning following the death of one of its most revered figures, Robert Walls, who passed away peacefully on Thursday morning at the age of 74. Walls died at his East Melbourne home, surrounded by his children Rebecca, Daniel and David, and partner Julie, after choosing to end his life through voluntary assisted dying. His decision followed a two-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare form of cancer he was diagnosed with in 2023. A towering presence in the game both on and off the field, Walls was a Carlton legend, Australian Football Hall of Famer, and beloved figure whose impact stretched across generations of players, fans and fellow commentators. Having endured over 250 nights in hospital during his fight, Walls made the difficult decision to forgo further rounds of chemotherapy in favour of spending his final weeks with loved ones. His family confirmed he spent his last days in peace, tidying up affairs and reconnecting with those closest to him. “Having battled cancer for more than two years, Robert did it his way,” read a statement from the AFL on behalf of the Walls family. “His massive contribution to football at Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond will be celebrated at the MCG in coming weeks.” Walls’ experience with illness was shaped not only by his own diagnosis but by the heartbreak of losing his wife, Erin, to lung cancer just months after she had gone into remission. The grief and perspective from that loss influenced how he chose to approach his own battle. “(The diagnosis) was a shock. I guess I thought ‘my turn’,” Walls said in an interview with 7NEWS last year. Robert Walls’ football journey began as a 16-year-old prodigy debuting for Carlton in 1967. Over the next two decades, he would play more than 200 games and win three premierships with the Blues during a golden era. He later coached the club to premiership glory in 1987 – one of his most cherished achievements. Walls also took the reins at Fitzroy, the Brisbane Bears, and Richmond, earning respect for his ability to rebuild struggling sides and mentor young players. At Brisbane, his groundwork helped lay the foundation for the Lions' historic premiership three-peat from 2001 to 2003. Among those he coached were future champions Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and current AFL coaches Chris Scott and Craig McRae. After retiring from coaching, Walls remained a steadfast presence in the game through a distinguished media career. A former schoolteacher, he brought insight and sharp analysis to Channel 7’s Talking Footy and penned a widely read column for The Age. In 2011, he was elevated to Legend status at Carlton – an honour that spoke volumes about his legacy at the club. He was also recognised by the Brisbane Lions for his contributions to both Fitzroy and the Bears. Even after stepping away from the spotlight, Walls remained devoted to the game. In 2019, he volunteered as a mentor to Carlton coach Brendon Bolton and his staff, offering guidance and support behind the scenes. Walls’ passing comes just days after the football world farewelled another Carlton favourite, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/carlton-mourns-the-loss-of-one-of-the-greats-of-the-game" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peter Bosustow, who died aged 67 following his own cancer battle</a>. As the AFL community reflects on the life of Robert Walls, tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life was inseparable from the game he loved. He is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren. A public celebration of his life and football legacy will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the coming weeks. Images: Reddit

Caring

“Angels in scrubs”: Cancer survivor's pledge to repay the nurses who saved his life

Just six months after completing one of the most aggressive cancer treatment regimens his hospital had ever seen, Shane Whiteford is lacing up his running shoes – not to escape his past, but to honour those who carried him through it. Diagnosed in December 2023 with a rare and dangerously situated Ewing Sarcoma in his neck, Shane’s year-long battle with cancer included major surgery, a gruelling 12 months of chemotherapy, and four relentless weeks of daily radiation. Now in recovery, the devoted father of two, husband and son is taking on a different kind of challenge: running 200 kilometres in the month of June to raise funds – not for hospital equipment or research – but for the nurses he calls “angels in scrubs”! “They help you understand the complexities of treatment, they talk you through each step,” Shane said. “And along the way, they become friends, therapists, a shoulder to cry on, and your rock to rely on.” From chemo chairs to emotional breakdowns, the oncology nurses at <a href="https://www.calvarycare.org.au/hospitals/calvary-mater-newcastle/services-and-clinics-3/cancer-services-3/medical-oncology" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Day Treatment Centre</a> were with Shane through it all. And now, he wants to give back. “This fundraiser is for them,” Shane wrote on his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/oncology-nurses-at-calvery-mater-newcastle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a>. “Not the hospital, not the directors… but for my great support team.” The funds raised will go toward whatever the nursing team chooses – “something to make their workdays a little brighter.” Running an average of six kilometres per day, Shane’s goal is part of his ongoing rehab – his return to physical fitness only beginning in February 2025 after months of debilitating treatment. “I am now six months clear and have started to gain my ‘new’ normal life,” he shared. “This run is my way of saying thank you. I couldn't have done my journey without them.” With every kilometre, Shane is not only rebuilding his strength but reminding the world of the quiet heroes in our hospitals. His battle cry? “FU Cancer. I kicked your ass.” And now, with every step, he’s lifting others up – one stride, one donation and one angel in scrubs at a time. Image: GoFundMe

Caring

"I'm going straight into surgery": Barnaby Joyce opens on cancer diagnosis

Former Deputy Prime Minister and long-time Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has revealed he is battling prostate cancer, using the opportunity to encourage Australian men to prioritise their health. In his first public comments since the diagnosis, Joyce spoke candidly with Sunrise on Monday morning, just hours before heading into surgery. “Literally, straight after this … I’m going … straight down the road and straight into surgery,” the newly re-elected Member for New England told host Natalie Barr. Joyce said he was feeling well despite the diagnosis, highlighting a common danger with prostate cancer. “I feel fine. I suppose that’s the problem with prostate cancer, you don’t feel bad.” He explained that his cancer was discovered during the election campaign, thanks to a persistent doctor who urged him to take a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. “It was like ‘bingo’ – there were elevated levels,” Joyce recalled. Following a PSA test, Joyce underwent an MRI and then a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of early-stage prostate cancer. “They said, ‘You’re lucky, it’s early stages, you’ve got to do something about it,’” he said. Despite the diagnosis, Joyce chose to delay surgery until after the election to avoid disrupting his campaign. “I didn’t want a big circus going on during the election,” he said. In a lighter moment, Joyce revealed he was delayed getting to hospital because of a flat tyre. “I can’t help myself, can I?” he joked. Joyce said his experience serves as a warning to other men. “If you’re a man, or you know a man, if you’re in your 40s, 50s, go get a PSA test and clear your own mind that everything is fine,” he urged. “If you get it early you’re overwhelmingly going to be OK.” Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, also appearing on Sunrise, praised Joyce’s decision to speak openly about his diagnosis. “I really do think that having high-profile people like Barnaby talk about their health challenges is really important to encourage other men to get the test,” she said. Professor Damien Bolton, Urologist and President of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) also added a message of support in response to Joyce’s openness. “By being open and honest about his prostate cancer diagnosis, Barnaby Joyce is helping raise awareness about a disease that is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in men,” said Bolton. “If caught early, prostate cancer is nearly always curable with 97 percent of men still alive five years after their diagnosis.” Joyce concluded with a message of hope and perspective: “Look at this beautiful world; you want to live as long as you possibly can.” Image: Sunrise

Caring

"Find a life worth enjoying": King Charles opens up on his battle with cancer

King Charles III has opened up publicly for the first time about his battle with cancer, offering a heartfelt reflection on the lessons he has learned during a special event at Buckingham Palace. The monarch, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, described the experience as one that “brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity”, as he addressed guests gathered to celebrate community initiatives raising cancer awareness and supporting those affected by the disease. “Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,” the King said. “It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening.” The event was attended by healthcare professionals, volunteers, advocates and families affected by cancer, many of whom Charles has supported throughout his public life. He praised their efforts, noting that his own experience had reinforced a long-held belief: that compassion and connection are vital to the healing journey. “The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion,” he said, highlighting the roles of hospice volunteers, specialist nurses and support groups in forming what he called a “community of care”. Charles also expressed his family's deep gratitude to the healthcare professionals involved in cancer treatment across the UK. “They have my whole family’s deepest admiration and gratitude,” he said. “Their care represents the very best our country can offer.” While the King has kept the specific details of his condition private, Buckingham Palace confirmed he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/king-charles-admitted-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hospitalised last month</a> due to side effects from his treatment. His diagnosis came just weeks before Princess Kate, 43, revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy, sparking concern and sympathy across the nation and beyond. Global statistics underscore the urgency of the fight against cancer: in 2022, approximately 20 million new cases were diagnosed worldwide, with 9.7 million lives lost, according to the American Cancer Society. Concluding his remarks, King Charles shared a quote from Dame Deborah James – the beloved British journalist and campaigner who died of bowel cancer in 2022 – whose parents were in attendance at the Palace. “‘Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope,’” he said. Image: Sunrise

Caring

Edwina Bartholomew's grateful update in cancer battle

Beloved Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew has shared a heartwarming update on her health journey – she's almost in molecular remission following treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia. The 41-year-old mother of two <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sunrise-star-announces-cancer-diagnosis-live-on-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first opened up</a> about her diagnosis in September last year, after receiving the life-changing news in July. She began treatment in August, supported by her family, colleagues, and an outpouring of love from viewers across the country. Appearing on Sunrise this week, Edwina beamed as she shared the incredible news with her co-hosts and audience. “I am almost in what they call molecular remission,” she said, smiling. “Thanks to my daily medication, my incredible specialist, and the gift of time I’ve been given by working part-time here at Sunrise, the leukaemia has essentially been eradicated from my body to the point it’s almost undetectable.” Though she’ll continue treatment with a daily tablet for the foreseeable future, Edwina says she hasn’t experienced any noticeable side effects – calling it “genuinely a medical miracle”. Her gratitude was palpable as she thanked the Sunrise community for their kindness. “I quickly wanted to thank all of our wonderfully kind Sunrise viewers who sent me messages over the past nine months – checking in, sharing their stories, keeping my family in their thoughts. That’s been really, really lovely.” In a beautifully candid feature for The Australian Women’s Weekly, Edwina appears on the cover with her husband Neil Varcoe and their two children, Molly (5) and Tom (3). The photos, taken on the family’s farm, show Edwina glowing in a high-neck blue lace dress, surrounded by the love and laughter of her young family. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhs-rvT61i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhs-rvT61i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Edwina Bartholomew (@edwina_b)</a> </div> </blockquote> Back in September, when she first shared her diagnosis on air, Edwina approached the moment with characteristic honesty and hope. “It is a good kind – It’s called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I take care of myself, I will be completely fine.” Even in that early moment, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/edwina-bartholomew-s-classy-call-to-action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she described herself</a> as “very lucky” – thankful for early detection, a manageable treatment path and the unwavering support of her colleagues and loved ones. “I turned 40 and decided to prioritise my health,” she explained. “Routine blood tests picked it up – one of those things mums often skip because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else. Please, especially to mums, take care of yourself too.” Now, just months later, Edwina says: “It’s not lost on me how extraordinarily lucky I have been.” Images: Instagram

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"Repeat offenders": New cameras rake in $30 million in just six months

South Australia’s mobile phone detection cameras have netted more than $30 million in fines in just six months, revealing a staggering level of distracted driving despite a prior grace period. Since the cameras were officially activated on September 19, 2024, police have issued 46,476 fines to motorists caught using their phones behind the wheel. That’s an average of 200 people a day being caught – a drop from the 350 daily detected during the initial warning phase. During the three-month trial period following their mid-2024 introduction, the high-tech cameras sent out 64,454 warning letters. But once enforcement began, authorities wasted no time. In the first three months alone, 28,120 expiation notices were issued. The number dipped slightly in the next quarter, with just over 18,000 further infringements recorded. Superintendent Shane Johnson said while the declining numbers were a positive sign, the prevalence of repeat offenders remained troubling. “The number of repeat offenders has been disappointing, and police continue to investigate these offences,” he said. “Some registered owners have been issued with over 20. That is absolutely a serious concern for us.” Among the most alarming cases was one registered driver who racked up an astonishing 41 fines. In total, 308 drivers received four or more fines during the six-month period. South Australia's Police Minister Stephen Mullighan described the level of mobile phone use among drivers as “unacceptably high” but said the figures highlight the effectiveness of the detection technology. Motorists caught by the cameras face a $556 penalty, a $102 Victims of Crime Levy, and three demerit points. And while South Australia is pushing ahead – with two more detection cameras soon to be deployed – authorities have yet to reveal their locations. However, officials also cautioned that collecting the fines is another challenge altogether. In Queensland, for example, $160 million in seatbelt and mobile phone fines remains unpaid. SA Police used the release of the new data to remind drivers just how dangerous it is to take their eyes off the road – even briefly. “Being distracted by a mobile for two seconds at 60 kilometres an hour means a driver travels 33 metres without their eyes on the road,” a police spokesperson said. “At 100 kilometres an hour, that distance increases to 55 metres.” With enforcement ramping up and new cameras on the way, authorities hope the downward trend continues – and that more drivers will finally put the phone down. Images: SA Police

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Hollywood legend reveals secret cancer battle

Hollywood icon Anjelica Huston has opened up for the first time about her private battle with cancer, revealing she was diagnosed back in 2019 but is now celebrating four years of being cancer-free. The Oscar-winning actress, 73, shared that the diagnosis came as a “big shock” shortly after the release of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, in which she starred alongside Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry. While Huston chose not to disclose the exact type of cancer she faced, she expressed pride in overcoming the illness and praised her medical team for their care. “It came as a big shock, but it made me conscious of what I shouldn’t do, of places I shouldn’t go,” Huston told People magazine. “Sometimes you feel like you don't want to talk about it for the obvious reasons, but there's a lot to be said for talking about it and getting it out there and celebrating the fact that one's come through.” Reflecting on her journey, she added, “I managed to survive it, and I’m proud of myself.” Huston, best known for her roles in The Addams Family, The Witches, and Prizzi's Honor, comes from a legendary Hollywood lineage. She is the daughter of famed director and screenwriter John Huston and the granddaughter of Canadian star Walter Huston. Several of her siblings have also pursued acting careers. Her personal life has also captured public interest over the years. Huston famously dated actor Jack Nicholson, describing their relationship as an "emotional rollercoaster." In 1992, she married sculptor Robert Graham, who sadly passed away in 2008. Now, with her cancer battle behind her, Huston is embracing life with renewed appreciation and strength, inspiring fans worldwide. Images: Instagram

Caring

Major breakthrough over mother of three missing for two months

Authorities have located a ute believed to belong to Tayla Spies, a Queensland mother of three who vanished more than two months ago. Spies, 29, was last seen on CCTV footage at a service station in Condamine on Sunday, February 2. She had spent the weekend with her partner in Dalby but failed to return home to Roma. Since her disappearance, she has not contacted any family or friends, heightening concerns for her safety. Police confirmed on Frida morning that they discovered Spies’ white Toyota Hilux in Noorindoo, approximately 40km north-east of Surat. Officers were alerted to the vehicle’s presence on a property along Yuleba-Sarat Road at about 3pm. A search of the vehicle revealed some of Spies’ belongings inside, though authorities have not disclosed specific details about the items found. Before its recovery, the ute was last seen on CCTV traveling down Surat’s main street at 11:10am on the day she went missing. This sighting remains a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have since resumed extensive searches in the area in hopes of finding further clues about her whereabouts. Spies is described as Caucasian, approximately 170cm tall, with a slim build, brown shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. She has the word "KARMA" tattooed across her chest. Her family and friends continue to plead for any information that might help locate her. Police and local search teams have been scouring the surrounding area, using drones, tracking dogs, and ground search crews to cover as much terrain as possible. Despite these efforts, there have been no confirmed sightings of Spies since she was last seen on CCTV in Condamine. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding her disappearance to come forward. Whether it be a small detail or a major lead, investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen Spies or her vehicle. Those with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or their nearest police station immediately. Images: Queensland Police

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King Charles admitted to hospital

Reports from Buckingham palace have revealed that King Charles has been forced to cancel a series of public engagements after being admitted to hospital due to side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. The Palace released a statement on Thursday evening confirming that the 72-year-old monarch had “experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital” following his scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer. The King has since returned to Clarence House, where he resides with Queen Camilla. “As a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary program will also be rescheduled,” the Palace added. Although the Palace did not specify the exact nature of the side effects, sources suggest such occurrences are not uncommon among cancer patients. A royal insider described the medical incident to The Daily Mail as a “most minor bump in a road that’s very much heading in the right direction”. However, in order to “protect and prioritise [his] continued very positive recovery”, King Charles has regretfully cancelled his planned engagements in Birmingham on Friday. The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February last year and has been receiving outpatient treatment since then. Initially, he had to withdraw from public duties for several weeks but resumed engagements in April. Since then, he has travelled internationally – including a visit to Australia last October – and hosted numerous state visits while continuing his recovery. Last week, King Charles visited Ulster University’s Pharmacy and Pharmacology department in Northern Ireland to learn about their groundbreaking cancer research. During his visit, he shared words of encouragement with fellow cancer patients, quoting Winston Churchill’s famous phrase: “Keep buggering on.” Regarding the side effects of treatment, he remarked, “You just have to push on, don’t you?” While the specific type of cancer affecting the King has not been disclosed, reports suggest that it was caught at a very early stage. Royal sources remain optimistic about his recovery, and say his treatment is progressing positively. Image: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet/ Millie Pilkington

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