After more than five decades of portraying the beloved Maggie Horton on Days of Our Lives, Suzanne Rogers is opening up about the toughest challenge of her life — a battle with Stage II colorectal cancer.
Days Of Our Lives’ Suzanne Rogers Reveals Stage II Cancer Battle
In a candid interview with TV Insider, Rogers shared that her journey began when she sensed something “wasn’t quite right” and scheduled a doctor’s appointment. Although she had been keeping up with regular colonoscopies, new test results prompted further concern.
“He said, ‘I want you to have an MRI and I want you to have a PET scan and I’m going to do a biopsy,’” Rogers recalled.“When I came to after the procedure, he said, ‘You have cancer and you have to start treatment.’ It was all a shock. I think I was in shock for several days because I take pretty good care of myself. But he said, ‘It’s a good thing you caught it in time.’”
A Grueling Treatment Journey
Before beginning treatment on June 13th, Days of Our Lives wrapped filming, and Rogers immediately started a demanding six-week regimen of daily radiation and chemotherapy.
“It was tough knowing you had to do it five days a week,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my weekends because I didn’t have to see a doctor. I was so tired of seeing doctors.”
Fortunately, the soap’s production schedule — which is filmed about ten months in advance — allowed her absence to go largely unnoticed on-screen.
Love, Friendship, and Support
With no family in Los Angeles, Rogers leaned on her close friend Sunie Ostermann and on-screen daughter Linsey Godfrey (Sarah Horton) for strength and companionship.
“It was scary,” she admitted. “When I had to go see a doctor, one of them would go with me because once they say cancer, you don’t hear anything else.”
Linsey Godfrey took it upon herself to share the news with a few trusted colleagues so Rogers wouldn’t feel isolated. Soon, support poured in from the Days family — including Mary Beth Evans (Kayla), Stephen Nichols (Steve), Greg Rikaart (Leo), and AnnaLynne McCord (Cat Greene).
“It was so lovely to get calls,” Rogers said. “It made me feel cared for.”
Behind the scenes, Days producers Ken Corday, Noel Maxam, and Sara Peterson reached out to reassure her that her role would be waiting when she was ready.
“They said, ‘Don’t worry about a thing. Take care of yourself, get well. We are here.’”
Hope and Resilience
Rogers completed treatment on July 31st, and she’s now on the mend and looking forward to returning to Salem.
“I didn’t lose my hair,” she revealed. “I know what I’ve gone through and I’ve come out on the other side, so that’s all I care about.”
The actress also clarified that rumors of her retirement are not true. While fans may notice a stretch in 2026 where Maggie isn’t on screen, Rogers confirmed she’s still very much a part of the Days family.
“At least the audience will know why,” she said. “I don’t want to upset anybody, but I want them to know what’s going on.”
From all of us at Daytime Soap Stop, we send our love and continued well wishes to Suzanne Rogers — a true daytime legend and inspiration. 💖
Suzanne, my mom and I are longtime fans of you and Maggie both. You have entertained us for years - coming into our homes and hearts. From our hearts to yours, we wish you nothing but good health and a speedy recovery. Prayers for both. Now, put on those red shoes and go dancing! We love you, Suzanne! You've got this!!