Australian comedian and actress Magda Szubanski has announced she has been diagnosed with a ‘rare and fast-moving blood cancer’.

Szubanski, who became renowned for her role as Sharon Strzelecki in the Australian TV series Kath and Kim, shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram post this afternoon.

“Lovelies. Well. Some not great news,” she wrote.

“I’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma—a rare and fast-moving blood cancer.”

“It’s serious, but I’ve begun one of the top treatments available (the Nordic protocol), and I’m fortunate to receive truly world-class care here in Melbourne.

“I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s rough. But I’m hopeful.

“I’m being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I’ve never felt more held by the people around me.”

Szubanski mentioned it was a rare form of cancer that was found incidentally during a breast screen, when doctors noticed “her lymph nodes were up”.

She said that she asked for extra blood work to be done after feeling ill for a while.

She described Mantle Cell Lymphoma, the type of cancer she was diagnosed with, as “one of the nasty ones” in the video she shared on Instagram.

“I’m surrounded by beautiful friends and family and an incredible medical support team,” she said.

Szubanskiu said she would be “lying low” during her treatment while her immune system “takes a hammering”.

“If you see me out and about—don’t hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me,” she said.

“Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.”

“For now, just know I’m in good hands, good spirits—but I reserve my human right to be a cranky old moll.”

Dozens of her friends and loved ones left her messages of support.

“Lots of love and support to you beautiful one,” Comedian Rove McManus said.

“Right there with you darling,” actor Sam Neil said.