Suzanne Rogers Reveals Stage II Cancer Diagnosis, Plans Return to “Days of Our Lives”

Suzanne Rogers, a beloved figure in the world of daytime television, has publicly shared her diagnosis of Stage II colorectal cancer. This revelation explains her recent absence from the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives, where she has portrayed the character Maggie Horton Kiriakis for an impressive 52 years. The veteran actress disclosed her health struggles in an interview, highlighting the importance of early detection in her case.

In the summer of 2023, Rogers sought medical attention after experiencing unusual health issues. Following a colonoscopy, her doctor recommended further testing, which included another colonoscopy, a PET scan, and an MRI. “He said, ‘You have cancer and you have to start treatment.’ It was all a shock,” Rogers recounted in a conversation with TV Insider. She reflected on her surprise, noting, “I take pretty good care of myself. But he said, ‘It’s a good thing you caught it in time.’”

Rogers filmed her final episode before beginning treatment on June 13, 2023. She subsequently entered a rigorous treatment plan that included daily chemotherapy and radiation for six weeks, completing the regimen by July 31, 2023. During her recovery, fatigue became a significant challenge. “The biggest thing is that I was tired because that’s not like me. I have a lot of energy all the time, so it really shook me thinking, ‘Am I going to get my energy back?’” she shared.

As she continues her recovery, Rogers is optimistic about returning to the set next week. Due to the soap opera’s production schedule, which films months in advance, viewers will not notice Maggie’s absence until April 2026.

Rogers decided to open up about her health journey after hearing rumors about her retirement circulating online. “My sister, who checks in with me two or three times a day, said there’s been some things on Facebook that said that I had retired and I had left the show, and none of that is true,” she explained. “I don’t want to upset anybody, but I want them to know what’s going on.”

Initially, she kept her diagnosis private from most of her colleagues on Days of Our Lives. However, she relied on the support of fellow cast members Paul Telfer and Linsey Godfrey. After Godfrey received permission to share the news, Rogers was met with an outpouring of support from the cast and crew, reinforcing the strong community within the show.

Rogers’ experience underscores the importance of awareness and early detection in battling cancer. As she navigates this challenging chapter, her resilience and commitment to her role continue to inspire fans and colleagues alike.