What is pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma? Neighbors star Ian Smith talks about life after cancer diagnosis

In a recent interview, Neighbours star, Ian Smith, recalls the time he collapsed after being diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic Carcinoma.

As per the National Institutes of Health, Pulmonary Pleomorphic Carcinoma is a rare malignancy of the lung. The condition occurs when a tumor combines spindle or giant cell carcinoma with any of the more common types of non-small-cell lung cancer.

The Australian actor announced in December 2024, about his exit from the series after he was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. While speaking to The Guardian, Smith revealed that his doctor cried when he delivered the news:

"I thought I would be stronger, but I am as a weak as any human."

Ian Smith mentioned that after he was diagnosed he began doing "very dramatic things, like looking at every sunset, watching children play." His doctor informed him that he didn't have much time to live and that he would likely die in March.

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Ian Smith opens up about rejecting Voluntary Assisted Dying

After being told that he would likely die in March by his doctor, Ian Smith revealed that he initially applied for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) which is legal in Australia in circumstances where an adult with a terminal illness is experiencing "intolerable suffering" and can make the decision themselves.

However, the actor decided against it when the pharmacist phoned him to arrange the delivery of the drugs to keep at home for the day he decided to die.

"I'm awfully glad I did, too, because there have been times I would have taken it. I really would have."

Smith said that he "wholeheartedly" approves of VAD, after watching his parents, birth mother, and wife all die of cancer but he does not approve of keeping the drugs at home:

"I just disagree with it being left in the home. For so many reasons - you could be robbed! It is as good as a loaded gun."

In December 2024, after Smith announced his exit from Neighbors and went public with his diagnosis, doctors told him that his chemotherapy and immunotherapy were working, and his tumors were clearing. His life expectancy was moved to Christmas 2025 and now to Christmas 2026.

Smith recalls the moment he rejected the VAD drugs and said that if he had taken them, he would have "missed out on that wonderful day in December when I was told of my progress."

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Ian Smith is the longest-serving member of Neighbors after working on the show for 37 years since 1987.