Delta Goodrem's emotional update 20 years after cancer diagnosis: 'Mixed emotions'

Delta Goodrem has opened up about the ‘mixed emotions’ she feels on the 20th anniversary of her debut album after a cancer diagnosis changed everything for her.

At the age of 18 in 2003, the Australian singing sensation was just at the start of her career when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma - a cancer of the lymphatic system.

The self-proclaimed “proud cancer survivor” took to her Instagram account to mark the day she was diagnosed, revealing her third single from her Innocent Eyes album had just reached number one that very same day and she was supposed to embark on a massive tour.

“July 8, 2003. twenty years ago today. I remember that day so clearly and all the mixed emotions that came with the news of being diagnosed with cancer while my album had been sitting at #1 for three months prior and the third single hit #1 same day,” Delta wrote.

“I was meant to be going over to Europe where my album had just debut #2 and #1 in all different countries that week to start international promo. One split second and all the plans had changed. That’s life.

“There is meaning and beauty in facing these challenges from a different viewpoint. There must be a reason this is happening - How can I come out better. What is the lesson.”

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Despite going through such a traumatic health experience, Delta has come through the other side and is finally able to tour her first album all these years later.

“Today marks a beautiful full circle moment in my life when it feels like a brand new chapter starts here,” Delta continued, saying she is currently in London working on the Delta Goodrem Foundation’s first-ever gala event.

“I was working on new music and shows all of yesterday. We’re throwing a new music party today. I’ve had the most incredible and one of the most meaningful trips being back here 20 years to the date. I honor my journey that leads me here but it’s also about what we do next that counts. For those in the fight you are never alone and I stand here with you as a survivor.”

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Delta opened up about her cancer diagnosis, saying: “I was a young girl with doctors explaining that I had to step into a fight for my life.”

“I was diagnosed with cancer the same week that I debuted around the world.

“I am so grateful that 20 years later we are here making music. It is quite a moment.”

Speaking on Yahoo UK’s White Wine Question Time in 2021 Delta revealed people still constantly contact her to chat about her cancer journey.

“You speak to a couple people a week who are currently in the journey, and they're in the fight. Somebody asked me the other day if it felt like yesterday or ages ago, and I said, ‘Well, it does feel like another lifetime ago', but some of the moments that I experienced in that moment, are still so present,” she said.

“I don't get emotional as much anymore… But occasionally I might see something and maybe a happy tear of being grateful because I'm here in full flight of health.”

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