Confessions of a Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella has been diagnosed with brain cancer (Picture: Getty)
Sophie Kinsella has revealed that she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an ‘aggressive’ form of brain cancer.
The author, most known for penning the Shopaholic series, shared her health news in a statement on social media, explaining that she learned of her illness at the end of 2022.
The 54-year-old explained that she initially wanted to keep the news private while her family adapted to their ‘new normal’.
‘To my dead readers and followers, I’ve waited a long time to share with you a health update and I’ve been waiting for the strength to do so,’ she began a lengthy statement.
‘At the end of 2022 I was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer. I did not share this before because I wanted to make sure that my children were able to hear and process the news in privacy and adapt to “our new normal”.
‘I have been under the care of the excellent team at University College Hospital in London and have had successful surgery and subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which is still ongoing.
‘At the moment all is stable and I am feeling generally very well, though I get very tired and my memory is even worse than it was before!’
She continued: ‘I am so grateful to my family and close friends who have been an incredible support to me, and to the wonderful doctors and nurses who have treated me. I am also so grateful to my readers for your constant support.
‘The wonderful response to the Burnout has really buoyed me up, during a difficult time.
‘To everyone who is suffering from cancer in any form I send love and best wishes, as well as to those who support them. It can feel very lonely and scary to have a tough diagnosis, and the support and care of those around you means more than words can say.’
Sophia concluded the message: ‘I’ll be in touch soon, and in the meanwhile, greetings from sunny London.’
The writer confirmed the sad news in a lengthy statement on social media (Picture: Getty)
Alongside the statement, she added: ‘To my dear readers and followers. I’ve wanted for a long time to share with you a health update and I’ve been waiting for the strength to do so.’
Fans were quick to share their love and support with the writer in the comments below, hoping for a quick recovery.
Gina Louise Young replied: ‘Aww, so sorry to read this. What a shock for you all. Love and support Sophie. Best wishes through the treatments. I’m currently reading The Undomestic Goddess (I read this every year as it’s brilliant).
‘The Burnout is fabulous just like you. Please take care.’
Victoria Scott penned: ‘Oh goodness. Sending healing vibes and lots of support to you and your family.’
Fans rushed to offer Sophie their support (Picture: Getty)
‘Just wanted to wish you all the very best, Sophie, and to thank you for being courageous enough to speak about about this x [sic],’ F Eckersall shared.
Claire Hennessy agreed: ‘So, so sorry to hear this & very glad you are being well cared for. I hope things continue to be stable & that you’re supported through this.’
According to the Mayo Clinic, Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord, and can grow quickly to destroy healthy tissue.
Although it can occur at any age, Glioblastoma tends to occur more often in older adults.
Symptoms include headaches that keep getting worse, nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, and seizures.
The film adaptation of Confessions of a Shopaholic premiered in 2009 (Picture: Getty)
Sophie wrote her first novel, The Tennis Party, at the age of 24 and published it two years later under her real name, Madeleine Sophie Wickham.
Following this, she went on to release Swimming Pool Sunday, Cocktails for Three, Sleeping Arrangements and The Gatecrasher, before anonymously submitting a book under a pen name made up of her middle name and her mother’s maiden name.
She is best known for penning the Shopaholic novel series, releasing the Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic – aka Confessions of a Shopaholic – in 2000, following financial journalist Becky Bloomwood who struggles to keep a lid on her own finances, thanks to her love of all things shopping.
This was adapted into a hit Hollywood film in 2009, with Isla Fisher taking on the main role of Becky, alongside Hugh Dancy, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Joan Cusack and Krysten Ritter.
As well as the series, she has also authored Can You Keep a Secret?, I’ve Got Your Number, the Undomestic Goddess and released the Burnout last year.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.