Aussie music veteran reveals massive health update: 'It's really on the rise'
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As people age, they prioritise their health over anything else.
This rings true, as even iconic figures among us share their health battles and concerns.
It is a sobering reminder that illnesses do not discriminate.
One of Australia's influential musicians recently came forward about his personal battle.
Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst has disclosed his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
This revelation sent shockwaves throughout the music community.
Two years after his diagnosis, 69-year-old Hirst chose to share his story to raise awareness about a disease that often lurks around public consciousness.
'I wanted to get the story of pancreatic cancer out there because it's one of those cancers that most people don't really register,' Hirst shared in a heartfelt interview.
Hirst was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer, which came as a shock to the Midnight Oil member.
While already in an advanced stage, the early diagnosis offered a glimmer of hope.
His oncologist reported that the cancer was stable but required immediate attention and treatment.
Rob Hirst must undergo testing every six to eight weeks to monitor his condition.
'So, it's ongoing,' he further shared.
'I've had pretty much every treatment known to man—every scan, ultrasound, MRI.'
'I've kind of had "the works"—but today I'm feeling really good,' Hirst affirmed.
According to Cancer Australia data, 7.4 per cent of cancer deaths in the country were caused by pancreatic cancer.
Within the last year, the disease claimed 3,902 lives and holds a five-year survival rate of 13 per cent.
The diagnosis took its toll on Rob Hirst's ability to perform onstage.
He had to step back from playing due to issues with his breathing power.
'It has not really attracted the attention, for example, of skin cancers or breast cancers or others, but it’s really on the rise,' Hirst shared about his diagnosis and his motivation to speak out about it.
Midnight Oil, formed by Rob Hirst and vocalist Peter Garrett in 1976, rose as a defining force in Australian music.
With several anthems and albums released, the band captured the ears and hearts of listeners worldwide.
Listen to Midnight Oil's 'Beds Are Burning' here:
Source: Midnight Oil/YouTube
Midnight Oil garnered six ARIA number-one album awards by 2022.
They have also been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tragically, this was not the first time cancer has cast a shadow over the band.
In 2020, Midnight Oil's long-time bass player, Bones Hillman, succumbed to the disease.
As Hirst continued facing his health battle, his courage in speaking out became a powerful call to action.
It's a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant about their health and to cherish the artists who have soundtracked Australians' lives.
We extend our heartfelt support to Rob Hirst and his family during this challenging time.
We encourage our members to share their well wishes for Rob Hirst in the comments section below.
This rings true, as even iconic figures among us share their health battles and concerns.
It is a sobering reminder that illnesses do not discriminate.
One of Australia's influential musicians recently came forward about his personal battle.
Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst has disclosed his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
This revelation sent shockwaves throughout the music community.
Rob Hirst has had several music projects outside Midnight Oil. Image Credit: Wikipedia
Two years after his diagnosis, 69-year-old Hirst chose to share his story to raise awareness about a disease that often lurks around public consciousness.
'I wanted to get the story of pancreatic cancer out there because it's one of those cancers that most people don't really register,' Hirst shared in a heartfelt interview.
Hirst was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer, which came as a shock to the Midnight Oil member.
While already in an advanced stage, the early diagnosis offered a glimmer of hope.
His oncologist reported that the cancer was stable but required immediate attention and treatment.
Rob Hirst must undergo testing every six to eight weeks to monitor his condition.
'So, it's ongoing,' he further shared.
'I've had pretty much every treatment known to man—every scan, ultrasound, MRI.'
'I've kind of had "the works"—but today I'm feeling really good,' Hirst affirmed.
According to Cancer Australia data, 7.4 per cent of cancer deaths in the country were caused by pancreatic cancer.
Within the last year, the disease claimed 3,902 lives and holds a five-year survival rate of 13 per cent.
The diagnosis took its toll on Rob Hirst's ability to perform onstage.
He had to step back from playing due to issues with his breathing power.
'It has not really attracted the attention, for example, of skin cancers or breast cancers or others, but it’s really on the rise,' Hirst shared about his diagnosis and his motivation to speak out about it.
Midnight Oil, formed by Rob Hirst and vocalist Peter Garrett in 1976, rose as a defining force in Australian music.
With several anthems and albums released, the band captured the ears and hearts of listeners worldwide.
Listen to Midnight Oil's 'Beds Are Burning' here:
Source: Midnight Oil/YouTube
Midnight Oil garnered six ARIA number-one album awards by 2022.
They have also been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tragically, this was not the first time cancer has cast a shadow over the band.
In 2020, Midnight Oil's long-time bass player, Bones Hillman, succumbed to the disease.
As Hirst continued facing his health battle, his courage in speaking out became a powerful call to action.
It's a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant about their health and to cherish the artists who have soundtracked Australians' lives.
We encourage our members to share their well wishes for Rob Hirst in the comments section below.
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