Comedian Judith Lucy Shares Hospital Photo, Urges Mammogram Awareness After Cancer Diagnosis
The Australian comedian revealed a change in her cancer treatment plan and emphasized the importance of early detection.
Comedian Judith Lucy has shared a hospital photo taken when she learned her breast cancer treatment plan would include a mastectomy. The 58-year-old took to Facebook on Saturday to express gratitude for fan support and to issue a strong warning to women about the necessity of regular mammograms.
In the image, Lucy is seen in good spirits in a hospital bed, smiling and giving a peace sign. She captioned the photo, "Fun with cancer!" and explained that the picture was taken the Friday she was informed she would need a mastectomy. "My jugs and I have been pretty overwhelmed by the response so THANK YOU and again, GET THEM CHECKED LADIES," she wrote. "You can't feel my cancer so without a mammogram I would have been screwed!"
This update follows Lucy's earlier announcement three weeks prior, where she revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, discovered through a mammogram via BreastScreen Australia. Initially expecting a lumpectomy, further cancer was found during a subsequent appointment. "So we have gone from a lumpectomy to a mastectomy, which I am having Friday week. I said, while you're there, let's get rid of the other one," she explained.
Despite the diagnosis, Lucy has maintained a sense of humor, joking about enjoying "40 years of large and spectacular breasts" and looking forward to a future without needing a bra. She reassured fans that doctors described the cancer as relatively early-stage and non-aggressive.
The diagnosis comes shortly after the release of her wellness memoir, "Well Well Well...: My Wellness Odyssey from Psychics to Psychedelics and Beyond," which explores her experiences with burnout and her attempts to improve her wellbeing. Lucy acknowledged the ironic timing of the book's release in relation to her health news.
Lucy retired from stand-up comedy in 2022 after a 35-year career but has since returned to the stage in various productions. She first gained prominence on ABC's "The Late Show" in 1993 and has been a familiar face on television programs. Her comedy album "King of the Road" received an ARIA Award nomination in 1999.