MAFS' Dave Hand gives devastating update on dad's health: 'It sucks'

Married At First Sight groom Dave Hand has shared a devastating update about his dad Howard’s cancer, two years after first opening up about it on the show.

In a teary video, the 38-year-old told his followers he had just got back from the hospital, where he learned, “the cancer’s growing too quickly, so they’ve stopped all treatment”.

Dave, who recently won the fourth season of Netflix reality dating show Perfect Match, said Howard had been “fighting” for six years, and although he knew this news was coming, “it doesn’t make it any easier”.

“Anyone who’s going through cancer struggles with family members or that themselves, f---, it’s hard … It just sucks hearing it, man,” an emotional Dave said.

“He’s my dad, you know? They’re your loved ones. They’re your mum, they’re your sister, they’re your brother. It f---ing sucks.”

In his caption, Dave thanked anyone who had sent Howard or him messages of support over the years.

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“This is all a part of life and how brutal it can be, but don’t think for one second it takes away from a lifetime of beautiful memories,” he wrote.

“On the weekend we’re going for a little fish together.”

Among the messages of support were fellow MAFS stars.

“Thoughts and prayers, Dave, my nana is going through the same thing right now so I understand your pain brother,” said fellow season 12 groom Teejay Halkias.

“Love ya man! Can’t imagine the pain,” season nine’s Al Perkins said.

Dave’s post generated hundreds of comments within hours, prompting him to acknowledge that everyone had been touched by cancer.

“It’s so confronting hearing how so many of you are affected by this disease, but so grateful it brings us all together at the same time and know none of us are alone,” he said.

Dave first opened up about Howard’s cancer on his MAFS wedding day. At the time, Howard had just started chemotherapy for the fourth time and could not attend the event.

The pair had an emotional reunion during Homestays Week, alongside Dave’s match, Jamie Marinos.

During the visit, Howard shared some good news, revealing two of his tumours had significantly shrunk and a third tumour was gone.

Sadly, in July 2025 Dave revealed those tumours had returned.