A difficult chapter in an already challenging journey
Cassandra Thorburn has offered a deeply personal update on her ongoing battle with a rare form of breast cancer, revealing she spent five days in hospital following her first round of the powerful chemotherapy treatment commonly known as the “Red Devil.”
The 55-year-old journalist, author and former wife of Today presenter Karl Stefanovic has continued to document her experience in the hope of supporting others facing similar battles.
The unexpected toll of treatment
In a candid video shared on Instagram, Cassandra described the intense physical effects of chemotherapy, admitting one of the biggest challenges has been something she calls “lead legs.”
She explained that the overwhelming heaviness in her legs often makes even a short walk feel daunting.
Despite that, she has found that if she can push through the first ten minutes, she is usually able to keep going—a small but important victory during treatment.
A message for family and friends
Alongside her health update, Cassandra also shared an important message for anyone supporting a loved one through cancer.
She said walking is one of the activities oncologists consistently encourage during chemotherapy, with research suggesting it can improve recovery and overall wellbeing.
Her advice was simple: encourage those undergoing treatment to keep moving whenever they can, while understanding just how difficult those first few steps can be.
Balancing treatment with everyday life
Cassandra revealed she has now completed her second round of chemotherapy.
Although treatment has taken a significant physical toll, she has continued working full-time from home whenever possible, acknowledging that some days are considerably harder than others.
She also admitted that after her hospital stay, nothing compares to being back at home with her family.
Her children have rallied around her
Throughout her cancer journey, Cassandra has been surrounded by the support of her three children—Jackson, Willow and River—whom she shares with Karl Stefanovic.
Earlier this year, daughter Willow returned to Australia from the United Kingdom after learning of her mother’s diagnosis.
The pair had originally planned a road trip through the UK, but Willow instead chose to come home to spend valuable time with her mum during treatment.
According to those close to the family, all three children have united to support Cassandra as she continues her recovery.
Living with a rare diagnosis
Cassandra was diagnosed with triple-negative occult breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease.
In occult breast cancer, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, but the original tumour cannot be detected through routine breast imaging or clinical examinations.
She publicly revealed her diagnosis in February 2026 and has since been open about the emotional and physical realities of treatment.
Using her journey to help others
Rather than keeping her diagnosis private, Cassandra has chosen to share her experience in the hope it encourages others to seek medical advice and feel less isolated during treatment.
She has spoken honestly about the realities of chemotherapy, the emotional challenges of serious illness, and even the phenomenon she describes as “cancer ghosting”—when close friends unexpectedly disappear during a person’s illness.
More recently, she revealed she has received messages from women who booked long-delayed health checks after hearing her story, as well as fellow cancer patients who said her openness has helped them feel less alone.
For Cassandra, sharing both the difficult moments and the small victories has become part of the journey—offering hope, awareness and encouragement to others facing one of life’s toughest battles.
