Memoir Cancer Battle
Actor Dolph Lundgren Reveals His Prolonged Cancer Battle Prompted Suicide Consideration
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Key Points
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Lundgren said his original kidney tumor was removed in 2015, but additional tumors were discovered in 2020 and he was later given only a few years to live.
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The diagnostic breakthrough involved a new biopsy, a pathologist’s review and comparison with slides from the initial biopsy; doctors found that the presumed kidney-cancer cells carried a mutation commonly associated with lung cancer, explaining why two years of medication had failed.
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Lundgren said the assisted-suicide discussion ended after he met Dr. Alexandra Drakaki and began feeling better: “Johan and I talked about it, but once I met Dr. Drakaki and began feeling a little better, it never went any further than that.”
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He described survivorship therapy as treatment for trauma resembling what soldiers experience after war, saying cancer forced him to confront his mortality in a way most people do not.
Dolph Lundgren, the Swedish actor and martial artist, revealed in his new memoir that his nearly decade-long cancer battle pushed him to the brink. The Independent reported that Lundgren contemplated "legal suicide" during treatment, even discussing the possibility with his brother Johan. The dark thoughts emerged after years of failed treatments and a devastating misdiagnosis — but ultimately never progressed beyond conversation.
Lundgren said he found hope when he met Dr. Alexandra Drakaki and began feeling better. "Johan and I talked about it, but once I met Dr. Drakaki and began feeling a little better, it never went any further than that," he said according to KTUL. By 2024, nearly a decade after his initial kidney cancer diagnosis in 2015, Lundgren announced he was cancer-free.
A Nearly Decade-Long Cancer Misdiagnosis
Lundgren's cancer nightmare began in 2015 when doctors diagnosed him with kidney cancer and removed a tumor. But in 2020, additional tumors appeared — setting off a chain of failures. Newswave noted that Lundgren was told he had only a few years left to live. Two years of medication produced no improvement, a critical warning sign.
The breakthrough came through detective work. Doctors ordered a new biopsy and compared it closely with slides from his original 2015 tumor. WGXA reported the shocking discovery: the cells carried a mutation common in lung cancer, not kidney cancer. Lundgren had been misdiagnosed for years — explaining why treatment after treatment had failed.
From Despair to a Turning Point With New Care
The misdiagnosis left Lundgren in a dark place mentally and physically. KTUL reported he described survivorship therapy as treatment for trauma similar to what soldiers experience after war. The relentless strain of nine years of cancer battle — combined with wrong diagnoses and failed medications — pushed him toward thoughts of ending his life.
Meeting Dr. Drakaki changed everything. Her new treatment plan worked where others had failed. Lundgren credited improved health and renewed hope with stopping the downward spiral. His wife, Emma Krokdal, also provided crucial emotional support through the ordeal. By 2024, Lundgren was able to declare himself cancer-free — a victory after years of loss.
Confronting Mortality in a New Memoir
Lundgren released his memoir, "Fights Worth Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggle," to share his experience. WUTV29 reported the book details his nearly 10-year cancer battle alongside reflections on his childhood and decades-long martial arts and film career. The title captures his philosophy: he viewed cancer as yet another opponent to face.
In the memoir, Lundgren reflects on how cancer forced him to confront his own mortality in ways most people never must. The physical pain, emotional devastation, and the false hope of a wrong diagnosis created a perfect storm. But by sharing his story — including the darkest moments — Lundgren offers perspective on survival, resilience, and the power of finding the right doctor and support system.
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