Dolph Lundgren, the renowned Swedish actor, has opened up about his harrowing battle with cancer and the profound impact it had on his mental health.
In his new memoir, “Fights Worth Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggle,” the 68-year-old star revealed that he contemplated “legal suicide” after nearly losing hope during his treatment.
Lundgren shared that, at his lowest point, he discussed ending his life with his brother Johan, fearing he might be too weak to carry out the act on his own.
He noted that in some European countries, such as Switzerland, assisted suicide is permitted for terminally ill patients, but the conversation with his brother never progressed further.
Everything changed when Lundgren met Dr. Alexandra Drakaki. After reviewing his medical records and conducting new tests in early 2022, Dr. Drakaki discovered that Lundgren had been misdiagnosed. What was initially thought to be kidney cancer that had spread was actually lung cancer, opening the door to a more hopeful treatment plan.
Lundgren has since responded positively to treatment and, as of 2024, is cancer-free. He continues to attend survivorship therapy, likening the emotional aftermath of cancer to post-traumatic stress disorder experienced by soldiers.
Once you’ve had cancer, you’ve seen the bus. You saw the color of the bus, and you saw the number of it,” Lundgren told Entertainment Weekly, reflecting on his confrontation with mortality.
Now, Lundgren hopes his story will inspire others facing their own struggles. “I hope I can inspire people who have their own problems — not just cancer — to be positive and keep fighting,” he said.
