I’ll have to be very careful with the germ thing”: Magda Szubanski’s First Public Return Comes With One Quiet Reminder of Her Ca:ncer Journey
But while the beloved Australian comedian says she’s excited to reconnect with fans, one heartfelt admission has revealed that her battle with cancer is still shaping everyday life—even as she celebrates a major milestone in her recovery.
A long-awaited return after months out of the public eye
Magda Szubanski has announced her first public appearances since revealing she is in remission from stage four mantle cell lymphoma.
The Kath & Kim star shared the news in a warm Instagram video, confirming she will appear at two special events later this year to discuss her new memoir, I Can’t Tell You, But I Will.
She is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Town Hall on September 27 before heading to the Sydney Opera House on October 4, marking her first public appearances in a considerable time.
For many fans, the announcement alone was reason to celebrate.
“I’ll have to be very careful with the germ thing”
Although Szubanski is eager to be back in front of audiences, she made it clear that returning doesn’t mean life has completely returned to normal.
Following months of intensive cancer treatment, she explained that protecting her health remains a priority.
“I’ll just be thrilled to be out seeing the public. I’ll have to be very careful with the germ thing, hope you understand that.”
The comment served as a gentle reminder that even after reaching remission, many cancer patients continue living with weakened immune systems as their bodies recover from chemotherapy.
She ended her message with characteristic warmth.
“But love you all and really looking forward to seeing you all.”
Why infection remains a concern after chemotherapy
While Szubanski has completed treatment, doctors explain that chemotherapy can leave the immune system suppressed for weeks or even months afterwards.
For patients recovering from blood cancers such as mantle cell lymphoma, exposure to common viruses and infections can still pose significant risks while the body rebuilds its natural defences.
That is why simple precautions—including avoiding illness, practising good hygiene and limiting unnecessary exposure to germs—often remain part of everyday life long after treatment ends.
Szubanski’s candid remark offered a rare glimpse into this often-overlooked stage of cancer recovery.
Fans celebrate another milestone in her recovery
Her announcement prompted an immediate wave of support across social media.
Terri Irwin wrote:
“Best news ever!”
Designer and television personality Shaynna Blaze added:
“So wonderful to see you looking so well… Can’t keep a good woman down.”
Another supporter commented:
“Look at you THRIVING! Absolutely made my heart rejoice seeing you looking healthy.”
The messages reflected the affection Australians have long held for one of the country’s most recognisable entertainers.
A memoir born from grief, resilience and hope
Szubanski first announced her second memoir in March.
Rather than focusing solely on her own illness, she described I Can’t Tell You, But I Will as a deeply personal reflection on grief, inspired by the loss of her mother, Margaret.
She said the book is dedicated to:
“Everyone who has loved or lost someone, or tried to hold themselves together when life demands everything at once.”
The memoir explores family, identity, love and resilience—themes that have taken on even greater significance following her own cancer diagnosis.
Remission—but not the end of the journey
In February, Szubanski shared the encouraging news that she had entered remission after treatment for stage four mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
She told supporters:
“I’ve completed chemo, and I am now in remission.”
While stressing that remission is not the same as a cure, she said it represented an enormous step forward.
“It’s not a cure, but because I got a good remission, that hopefully means that I will keep the cancer at bay for a good long time.”
She also thanked fans whose messages had carried her through the toughest months of treatment, saying their support helped her emotionally—and, she believes, physically as well.
A return that carries new meaning
For audiences attending her upcoming appearances, the events will be about far more than a book tour.
They will mark the first opportunity to welcome Magda Szubanski back after one of the most difficult chapters of her life.
And while her laughter and warmth remain unmistakably familiar, one quiet sentence about needing to be careful with germs is a reminder that recovery isn’t measured only by remission—but by every careful step taken afterwards.