Dolph Lundgren has publicly shared, for the first time, that he has been living with cancer for eight years. The revelation provides a rare glimpse into the actor’s ongoing battle and his approach to resilience in the face of a long health journey. The veteran star disclosed that the medical condition first came to light in 2015 when doctors identified a tumor near his kidney. He notes that a return to Sweden in 2020 was followed by an MRI that revealed additional tumors in the same region. One of these growths had grown too large to be removed through surgery, marking a turning point in the treatment strategy that would unfold over the years.
Following the discovery of the new developments, Lundgren began systemic therapy, a regimen aimed at targeting cancer cells throughout the body. By autumn 2021, as he traveled to London for work on upcoming film projects in Aquaman and The Expendables series, doctors found several more tumors. He recalls asking a clinician how much time might remain, with the medical team indicating a prognosis of roughly two to three years. He interprets their estimate as likely optimistic under the circumstances, acknowledging that the real expectation could be shorter than it sounded. This candid moment underscores the emotional weight of such conversations and the reality that cancer can present a shifting horizon, even for someone in peak physical condition.
Despite the setbacks, the story also highlights progress in treatment. Lundgren’s team of doctors explored new techniques and therapies that helped shrink multiple tumors, reducing their size by about 20 to 30 percent within a three-month period. This kind of response is meaningful, offering both clinical validation and a renewed sense of hope for the actor. The update illustrates how modern medicine can produce measurable gains in tumor control, even when the disease has persisted across several years. It also reflects the importance of ongoing monitoring and adapting treatment plans to respond to how the cancer evolves over time.
Looking ahead, Lundgren continues to engage with demanding roles while managing his health. He is set to reprise the role of King Nereus in the film Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, produced by Warner Bros., with the premiere scheduled for December 20. He will also return as Gunner Jensen for a fourth time in The Expendables 4, a project that marks another chapter in a long career defined by action, stamina, and a steadfast commitment to his craft. The dual focus on acting commitments and medical management demonstrates how a high-profile performer navigates a complex medical reality without letting it define his professional life. Fans and industry peers observe a broader conversation about resilience, treatment innovation, and the ways in which public figures share personal health experiences to reduce stigma and encourage awareness.