Kanye West music producer shares devastating cancer diagnosis after years of ‘debilitating pain’

Catherine Marks – who has worked with the likes of Kanye West and The Killers – shared a picture of herself in a hospital bed as she updated fans about her health

00:25 ET, 19 May 2025Updated 00:25 ET, 19 May 2025

Catherine Marks announced her cancer diagnosis on Instagram(Image: (Image: Instagram Catherine Marks))

Renowned music producer Catherine Marks, known for her collaborations with top artists such as Kanye West, has made a courageous revelation about her health.

She shared a photo of herself in a hospital bed on Instagram, announcing the discovery of a uterine-sized fibroid. This comes after she lived with excruciating pain for three years, only to be diagnosed with cancer.

Initially, Catherine had dismissed her lower back pain as signs of a herniated disc or aging. However, further medical evaluation unveiled a more alarming situation. Taking to Instagram, the Australian-born producer, now based in the UK, openly discussed her diagnosis with her 18,500 followers, prompting an outpouring of supportive messages.

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She mentioned undergoing a complete abdominal hysterectomy performed by her surgeons. Her heartfelt post began, “This isn’t an easy one to share, but after speaking with so many other women, and the doctors along this journey, I’ve realised how important it is to talk openly; especially about the things we’re often taught to endure in silence,” reports the Express.

Catherine Marks shared a photo recovering in hospital(Image: (Image: Instagram Catherine Marks))

She went on to say, “Since late 2022, I’d been living with persistent, often debilitating pain. It was first dismissed as a herniated disc and ‘just age,’ but deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. After months of pushing for answers, an ultrasound finally revealed a fibroid the size of my uterus. What followed were 18 exhausting months: intense pain, excessive blood loss, tests, operations, transfusions and just enough energy to get through work…barely anything else.”

Catherine opened up, “Eventually, last December, doctors found early stage cancer and as a result I recently underwent a full abdominal hysterectomy.”

She expressed her gratitude, “Recovery will be slow but steady, and I’m deeply grateful to the brilliant oncology and gynae team at Queen Charlotte and all the incredible NHS nurses and doctors who have taken care of me.”

Highlighting a powerful lesson, Catherine disclosed, “This journey has taught me something vital: trust your instincts. As women, we often downplay our pain or dismiss our needs. But listening to your body and advocating for yourself can be life-saving.”

Reflecting on her experience she confessed, “There has been space in this healing to reflect; on the toll it’s taken, and the quiet grief of what might have been. I have given a lot to my career, believing there would always be time… Life has had other plans… but no regrets.”

Catherine Marks said she was in extreme pain for three years(Image: (Image: Instagram Catherine Marks))

Catherine acknowledged her thankfulness. “Still, I feel enormous gratitude; for catching it early, for the support I’ve received, and for the kindness and understanding of everyone I’ve been working with throughout this process.”

Concluding her message, she stated, “Now, I’m taking the time I need to heal, rebuild, and prepare for what comes next. with clarity, strength, and renewed purpose. I look forward to returning with energy, creativity, and a deeper understanding of what matters most. What comes next feels precious.”

The outpouring of support was immediate, with Clara Amfo commenting, “Salute for trusting yourself above everything, sending so much love x.”

From the music world, Nadine Coyle of Girls Aloud sent her sentiments, saying: “Sending so much love to you! ! !”

Catherine’s journey in the music industry started under the guidance of Grammy-winning producer Flood. Since then, she has bagged numerous awards including the 2016 Music Producers Guild Award for Breakthrough Producer of The Year, the 2018 MPG Producer of the Year, and 2023 Producer of the Year at the AandR Awards.

She has collaborated on music with Wolf Alice’s Moaning Lisa Smile, Boy Genius’s The Record, and Foals’ Holy Fire. Additionally, she has worked alongside The Killers, The Big Moon, and Alanis Morrissette.

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