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Former Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo reveals devastating brain cancer has returned

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Krystal SandersThe West Australian
Johnny Ruffo broke the devastating news to his followers on Instagram this evening.
Camera IconJohnny Ruffo broke the devastating news to his followers on Instagram this evening. Credit: Instagram / Johnny Ruffo/Instagram / Johnny Ruffo

Perth-raised entertainer Johnny Ruffo has made the devastating announcement his brain cancer has returned.

Just three years after undergoing lifesaving surgery to remove a 7cm tumour and having been given the all-clear, Ruffo is now sadly facing another gruelling cancer battle.

The 32-year-old took to Instagram, sharing a picture alongside his girlfriend Tahnee Sims, to share the news to his 220,000 followers.

Ruffo was given the all clear three years ago after he underwent surgery and a bout of radiotherapy.
Camera IconRuffo was given the all clear three years ago after he underwent surgery and a bout of radiotherapy. Credit: unknown/johnny_ruffo/instagram

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“After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches it is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned, though I will dig deep and beat this s... disease again,” Ruffo wrote.

In 2017, Ruffo was suffering from debilitating headaches and took himself to the emergency department where he went into a coma and required immediate surgery. He then underwent a bout of radiotherapy.

The actor and singer got his big break on the X-Factor in 2011 before a regular role on Home and Away for three years.

It was only in May that the talented star had landed his first big on-screen role since the original diagnosis, with a six-episode part on Neighbours.

Johnny Ruffo in concert at Burswood Theatre in 2012 — following his success on X-Factor.
Camera IconJohnny Ruffo in concert at Burswood Theatre in 2012 — following his success on X-Factor. Credit: John Koh/WA News

“The last few scans have been positive, so I’ve just got to keep staying healthy and every time I get a check-up, they move it out,’’ Ruffo said at the time.

“The last one was every three months and now it’s moved to six months, which is good news. At the time, it was tough, but it’s in the past now and I’m just focusing on the future.”

Johnny Ruffo became a household name following his success on Home and Away.
Camera IconJohnny Ruffo became a household name following his success on Home and Away. Credit: Supplied

Ruffo has already had an outpouring of support from former co-stars and celebrities including Dan Ewing who wrote: “Let’s get after it Ruffo”.

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