Australian comedian Judith Lucy has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will undergo a double mastectomy next week.
Lucy shared the news in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, explaining that the cancer was detected after a recent mammogram produced an abnormal result. “Hi, Australia. A little not so fun update from me,” she began.
“Three weeks ago, I went to Moonee Ponds to pick up yet two more syringes of yet another stranger’s turds. And in fact, the nurse even said to me that day, gosh, it’s unusual that you haven’t had a better response to this. So already, I was feeling pretty lucky,” she joked.
“On my way home, I got an email from BreastScreen Australia telling me that my mammogram result was a bit weird. May I take this opportunity to say, ladies, for the love of God, keep up with your mammograms.
“Anyway, long story short, I’ve got breast cancer.”
The 58-year-old said she had waited to publicly disclose the diagnosis until she had a clearer understanding of her treatment. She underwent a lumpectomy last Friday, during which further cancer was discovered.
“…A doctor, I’m not making this up, called Dr. Fun found more cancer,” she said. “Dr. Fun is amazing. I am in her debt. But we have gone from a lumpectomy to a mastectomy, which I am having Friday week.”
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Lucy said she had elected to have both breasts removed. “I said, while you’re there, let’s get rid of the other one. Because you know something, I have had 40 years of, if I do say so myself, large and spectacular breasts. You had your chance, fellas.
“So I think I’m quite fine with going bra free for my last chapter. And my last chapter is going to be very long and healthy.”
Lucy stressed that the cancer had been detected at a “relatively early” stage and described it as “relatively non-aggressive.”
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The diagnosis comes just days after the release of Lucy’s latest book, “Well Well Well: My Wellness Odyssey From Psychics to Psychedelics and Beyond,” which chronicles her experiences with the wellness industry and her attempts to improve her health after stepping away from stand-up comedy in 2022.
Naturally, the timing was not lost on her. “Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. In fact, the elephant is not just in the room. The elephant is fucking me doggy style. In fact, the elephant is fucking me elephant style, if you will,” Lucy joked.
“There’s nothing like releasing a book about wellness as you’re being diagnosed with breast cancer.”
She added that the book does not claim to offer an easy path to good health. “Fortunately, the book does not end with me going, ‘And I’ve never been healthier,’” Lucy said. “In fact, kind of the point of the book is that there are no quick fixes and we should just all be living differently. And lots of jokes. There are lots and lots of jokes.”
“Well Well Well” was released in Australia on September 29th and explores Lucy’s experiences with everything from reiki and cryotherapy to ayahuasca, alongside her struggles with burnout and decision to step away from stand-up.
Lucy finished the announcement by promising there would inevitably be more material to come from her latest experience. “Honestly, between the fecal transplant and now the breast cancer, I think we can safely say that the book that has come out is Well Well Well, volume one,” she said. “I will have a lot more to say about all of this, as I’m sure you know. I’ll be keeping you abreast of everything, Australia.”
She reassured followers: “I really am okay, by the way. I mean, I’m in shock, but I’m okay.”