Cassandra Thorburn has revealed the heart-breaking side effect of battling cancer that nobody talks about – cancer ghosting.
Cassandra Thorburn has opened up in a heartbreakingly candid admission about the side effect of cancer that often goes unspoken – cancer ghosting.
The Australian children’s author was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer in February this year and has been candid about her journey ever since.
The 55-year-old recently addressed the “taboo” topic known as “cancer ghosting” – a phenomenon where friends, family members and those closest to a person suddenly pull away after they learn of the cancer diagnosis.
The post read: “A taboo cancer topic – cancer ghosting. Some resources to help you if it has happened to you.”
She shared an excerpt from a pointed TED Talk claiming the phenomenon was widely experienced among cancer sufferers.
The 55-year-old recently addressed the “taboo” topic known as “cancer ghosting” – a phenomenon where friends, family members and those closest to a person suddenly pull away after they learn of the cancer diagnosis. Picture: Instagram/ cassthorburn
“A recent side conversation got me thinking about a seemingly taboo cancer topic: Cancer ghosting,” Thorburn read to the camera.
“What is it? And why can it be more painful than cancer treatment, according to a survivor article I read?”
She added that for anyone who has gone through this, or is currently going through it, it is “not your fault”.
“I want to reassure cancer sufferers currently experiencing this often sudden abandonment or withdrawal that it’s not your fault.”
The ex-wife of Karl Stefanovic added that a startling 65 per cent of cancer sufferers are reportedly neglected by their “nearest and dearest” in their time of need. Picture: Instagram/ cassthorburn
“It’s typically driven by those friends’ own emotional limitations rather than their lack of care.”
Commenters sympathised with the post, while others shared their own experiences.
“It’s awful and it’s absolutely, heartbreakingly real because we think people will lean into kindness and support during times of hardship,” one person wrote.
Another wrote: “I’m just at the start of my treatment, but I understand it. It’s a lot for me to handle and at times.”
“It is certainly a thing. This happened to me. Some people can’t cope and don’t mean to be thoughtless, but they just can’t deal with it. Wishing you all the best,” another commented.
“It’s disappointing, but then others will show up for you that you least expected. Thanks for talking about this,” wrote a fourth.
Thorburn was married to Today host Karl Stefanovic for 21 years before their shock split in 2016. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Thorburn has not shied away from the realities of facing cancer alone, sharing a recent social media post in which she sent “everyone a virtual hug, especially those of you on your own”.
“A one foot in front of the other kind of day walking to Chemo treatment today,” Thorburn wrote.
“Sending everyone on the chemo journey, especially those of you on our own, a virtual hug.
“I am with you in the dark of the night when the house is quiet and your thoughts are loud.”
Karl has since married model and shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough in 2018 before the couple welcomed a baby in 2020. Picture: Instagram/ jasyarby
Thorburn was married to Today host Karl Stefanovic for 21 years before their shock split in 2016.
Karl has since married model and shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough in 2018 before the couple welcomed a baby in 2020.
Thorburn has previously opened up to Woman’s Day on the “very dark days” that followed the breakdown of her marriage.
“There were days in the beginning I would get up, put on a brave face and drop the kids at school, then I’d get to the back door and I would lie in a heap for the rest of the day unable to move,” she told Woman’s Day.
“There were very dark days.”
