Overview
- Lafer publicly disclosed his lymph node cancer in early June 2026 after keeping the diagnosis private for more than two years.
- He says doctors first removed swollen lymph nodes in May 2024 and that several alternative therapies failed before chemotherapy was advised.
- Since January 2026 he has received four cycles of chemotherapy and reports common side effects such as hair and weight loss, nausea, sweats, insomnia and a temporary loss of taste.
- A visibly changed appearance during his May 24 appearance on ZDF-Fernsehgarten prompted viewer questions that helped push him to speak openly about his illness and treatment.
- Lafer describes the diagnosis as a shock but says he is determined to fight, cites his wife Silvia and his faith as central supports, and plans to keep working where possible while undergoing care.