Our beloved Maggie Horton, played by Suzanne Rogers, recently shared her brave battle with Stage 2 colorectal cancer, detailing her journey from diagnosis to recovery and triumphant return to Salem.
TL;DR
- "Days of Our Lives" icon Suzanne Rogers was diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer this past summer.
- The 82-year-old actress underwent six tough weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy, completing treatment on July 31.
- Rogers is now feeling "really good," has a renewed perspective on life, and is back on set filming for "Days of Our Lives."
A Shocking Cancer Diagnosis for Salem's Longest-Running Star
"Days of Our Lives" fans, get ready for some truly inspiring news from one of Salem's most cherished residents! Suzanne Rogers, the incredible actress who has graced our screens as Maggie Horton for an astonishing 52 years, recently opened up about a private health battle she faced this past summer. The 82-year-old icon revealed in an interview with TV Insider that she was diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer.
It all started when Rogers felt that "something wasn't quite right" with her body. Even though she was diligent about getting routine colonoscopies, her intuition told her to get checked out. Her doctor, taking her concerns seriously, ordered additional tests: an MRI, a PET scan, and a biopsy. As Rogers recalled, "And the minute he said that I knew that it was something more." Unfortunately, her fears were confirmed. She received the difficult news that she had Stage 2 colorectal cancer.
"He said, ‘You have cancer and you have to start treatment.’ It was all a shock. I mean, I think I was in a shock for several days because I take pretty good care of myself. But he said, ‘It’s a good thing you caught it in time.’"
— Suzanne Rogers to TV Insider
Facing Down Six Weeks of Intensive Cancer Treatment
After wrapping her filming commitments for "Days of Our Lives" on June 13, Rogers jumped straight into a rigorous treatment plan. For six weeks, she underwent daily radiation and chemotherapy. "It was radiation every day and chemo every day for six weeks and it was tough," she shared, emphasizing the demanding schedule. "It was tough knowing you had to do it five days a week and then you had off Saturday and Sunday. I thoroughly enjoyed my weekends because I didn’t have to go to and see a doctor. I was so tired of seeing doctors."
The treatments took a toll, with fatigue being her main struggle. "The biggest thing is that I was tired because that’s not like me," she explained. "I have a lot of energy all the time, so it really shook me thinking, ‘Am I going to get my energy back?’" Thankfully, she reported that her energy is indeed coming back, little by little. A surprising (and welcome!) aspect of her journey was that she didn't lose her hair, which she believes was due to the type of chemo pills she was taking.
The Incredible Support from Her "Days of Our Lives" Family
Initially, Suzanne kept her diagnosis mostly private, but she eventually found immense support within her "Days of Our Lives" family. Her co-star Linsey Godfrey, who plays her on-screen daughter Sarah Horton, became a particularly vital source of comfort. Linsey, herself a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor from nearly two decades ago, understood what Suzanne was going through.
"I had to have an infusion, and it takes about an hour and a half, so Linsey sat there with me and held my hand while I was having it," Rogers recounted. Once Godfrey got permission to share the news with a few more people, the outpouring of love and support from the cast and crew was incredible. Other co-stars like Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis), Mary Beth Evans, Stephen Nichols, Greg Rikaart, and AnnaLynne McCord reached out. Even the show's producers stepped in, assuring her that her health was the priority and that her character, Maggie, would be waiting for her return.
Suzanne Rogers' Triumphant Return and Renewed Outlook on Life
Suzanne completed her treatment on July 31 and quickly started feeling better. By the time her interview with TV Insider was published on October 30, she was "feeling really good" and ready to get back to work the following week. While she admitted to feeling the usual actor's anxiety about new scripts and wanting to do her best, she made it clear that "it's not because of my illness, let's put it that way." That's the spirit we love to see!
Going through such a challenging experience has profoundly changed Rogers' perspective. She shared, "It’s so funny because I used to worry about some silly things. And when you go through this, it kind of takes you a while to say, ‘OK, well, this is what I have, and I will do my very best to fight it and to get through it.’ And that’s what I did. The prayers and the good wishes from my friends and my family helped me stay positive and stay on top of it and beat this." This renewed sense of gratitude and focus is truly inspiring.
What Suzanne's Journey Means for Maggie Horton on Screen
Fans might be wondering how Suzanne's absence for treatment will affect Maggie Horton's presence in Salem. Good news! Due to "Days of Our Lives" filming schedule, which shoots about 10 months in advance, viewers won't notice any significant changes for quite some time. The show's production team was incredibly supportive, and Maggie will remain a constant presence. The show even posted on Instagram on October 30, assuring viewers that they can expect to see Maggie back on their screens soon, confirming her absence would be "minimal."
In fact, earlier rumors about her retirement in July were quickly shut down by the show, with a statement to Soap Opera Digest affirming, "Maggie and Suzanne are integral to the show’s history, present storylines, and now, on the heels of our pick-up, the future! Neither are going anywhere." So, rest easy, "Days" fans – our beloved Maggie is here to stay!
Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Key Facts and Early Detection
Suzanne's story highlights the importance of listening to your body and getting screened. Colorectal cancer, which develops in either the colon or the rectum, is a significant health concern. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 3.9% of men and women will be diagnosed with this disease at some point in their lives. In fact, NBC News medical contributor Dr. Natalie Azar noted that it's the second leading cause of cancer death globally.
The good news is that early detection can make a huge difference, as Suzanne's doctors emphasized ("It's a good thing you caught it in time."). The American Cancer Society has been recommending that patients start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 since 2018. If you feel "something isn't quite right," just like Suzanne did, it's always best to consult with your doctor, even if you're up-to-date on routine screenings. Your health is your most important role!
Frequently Asked Questions About Suzanne Rogers and Days of Our Lives
When Will Suzanne Rogers as Maggie Horton Return to "Days of Our Lives"?
Suzanne Rogers completed her treatment at the end of July and was back filming for "Days of Our Lives" in early November 2025. Because the show films approximately 10 months in advance, viewers won't see her temporary absence on screen until around April 2026, and the show has stated her time off will be "minimal."
What Type of Cancer Did "Days of Our Lives" Star Suzanne Rogers Have?
Suzanne Rogers was diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer. She underwent six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Where Can Fans Watch New Episodes of "Days of Our Lives"?
"Days of Our Lives" streams exclusively on Peacock in the United States. New episodes are typically available daily.
Is Suzanne Rogers Retiring from "Days of Our Lives"?
No, Suzanne Rogers is not retiring. The "Days of Our Lives" production team and cast have confirmed that she is integral to the show and will continue her role as Maggie Horton. Her recent absence was purely for health reasons, and she is now back to work.
Sources
- TV Insider: Suzanne Rogers Opens Up About Cancer Battle
- TODAY Digital (NBC News): ‘Days of Our Lives’ icon Suzanne Rogers was diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer
- Parade: ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Suzanne Rogers Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Explains Her Absence
- Us Weekly: Suzanne Rogers Reveals Stage II Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis, Days of Our Lives Costars Supported Her
- Deadline: ‘Days Of Our Lives’ Star Suzanne Rogers Opens Up About Cancer Diagnosis