Judith Lucy announces breast cancer diagnosis: ‘I’m in shock, but I’m OK’

Comedian and actor Judith Lucy has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In a video shared to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon, the 58-year-old said she had “a little, not-so-fun update” to share.

“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,” she said. “Long story short, I’ve got breast cancer.”

Lucy said she went for a lumpectomy last week, when “a doctor – I’m not making this up – called Doctor Fun found more cancer”.

Lucy said the cancer was early stage and “relatively non-aggressive”. She said that though cancer had been detected in one of her breasts, she would soon undergo a double mastectomy to remove both.

“Doctor Fun is amazing. I am in her debt, but we have gone from a lumpectomy to a mastectomy, which I am having Friday week,” she said.

“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,” she said. “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.”

Earlier this month Lucy published her latest book, Well Well Well, about her lifelong fascination with the wellness industry.

“There’s nothing like releasing a book about wellness as you’re being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, fortunately the book does not end with me going, ‘And I’ve never been healthier!’ In fact, kinda the point of the book is that there are no quick fixes and we should all just be living differently,” she said.

Lucy read a passage from the book’s intro: “I know how lucky I am to not have a more serious health condition. If you have cancer or anything approaching that level of severity, I would stop reading now so you don’t want to fire me out of a cannon or tattoo ‘Donald Trump is one sexy mother’ on my face next time you see me.”

“Well, that problem is solved,” she joked, tossing the book aside.

Lucy said her treatment may inspire a second volume, adding: “I’ll be keeping you abreast of everything, Australia. I really am OK, by the way. I’m in shock, but I’m OK.”

Fellow comedians responded, including Geraldine Hickey, who wrote: “It’ll be a weight off your chest!” and Celia Pacquola, who added: “You are the most spectacular woman with or without those 10/10 knockers.”

Lucy was one of Australia’s most beloved standup comedians before she announced she was retiring from standup in 2022, due to longstanding anxiety. She has written four books, hosted podcasts and acted in films including Crackerjack and Bad Eggs, and a 2023 theatre production of Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days.