Days of Our Lives Star Suzanne Rogers Reveals Colon Cancer Diagnosis and How Following Her Intuition Saved Her Life
Suzanne Rogers, the beloved Days of Our Lives actress who has portrayed Maggie Horton for over five decades, has revealed that she was diagnosed with colon cancer. In an emotional new interview with TV Insider, the 80-year-old star shared her story with honesty and courage, opening up about how trusting her instincts led her to seek medical help — a decision that ultimately may have saved her life.
Rogers, who has long been admired for her resilience both on and off screen, said that her health journey began when she started noticing subtle changes in her body. “Something just didn’t feel right,” she explained, describing a moment of intuition that pushed her to see a doctor even though she had no severe pain or obvious symptoms. Her decision to listen to that inner voice led to a diagnosis that left her shocked — colon cancer.
The actress shared that her first reaction was disbelief. Like so many who receive unexpected medical news, she described feeling overwhelmed and scared, but determined. “I thought, I can’t let this define me. I’ve overcome a lot in my life — I can overcome this too,” Rogers said. She’s no stranger to adversity; years ago, she battled a rare autoimmune disorder that temporarily affected her ability to move and speak clearly. That health struggle required her to step away from Days of Our Lives for a time, but she returned stronger, earning admiration from fans who saw her as a symbol of hope.
Rogers emphasized that early detection was key in her case. Her doctors were able to act quickly, and after undergoing treatment, she shared that she’s now focused on recovery and self-care. “It’s been a process, but I’m feeling stronger every day,” she said with gratitude. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to listen to one’s body — and to take even small signs seriously.
Throughout her interview, Rogers spoke about the emotional side of her diagnosis, reflecting on how it made her slow down and reexamine her life. “When you’re constantly working, you sometimes forget to take care of yourself,” she admitted. “But this made me stop and appreciate the gift of each day.” She credits her family, friends, and Days of Our Lives castmates for their love and support during her treatment, saying their encouragement kept her spirits high.
Fans of Rogers, who first joined the NBC soap in 1973, have flooded social media with messages of love and prayers. Many have called her “an inspiration,” noting that she’s not just a soap opera icon but also a real-life example of strength and faith. For decades, her character Maggie Horton has been a beacon of grace in Salem — and now, Rogers herself is showing that same grace in the face of personal challenge.
She hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings and health checkups, especially for older adults. “If I can help even one person catch something early, it’s worth it,” she said. “Don’t ignore your body. Don’t put it off. If something feels off, go get checked.”
Today, Suzanne Rogers continues to film Days of Our Lives as she focuses on her health journey and recovery. Her words carry the weight of experience and gratitude — a reminder that life, even with its unexpected turns, is precious and worth fighting for.
