The rockstar and music legend warns men to get their prostate regularly checked so that they are not caught off-guard like he was.
Renowned rockstar Sir Rod Stewart recently opened up about his three-year-long, painful battle with prostate cancer and revealed that he successfully fought it off, reports CNN.
The Maggie May and I Don't Want To Talk About It hitmaker bore his heart about his illness at a fundraising event for the Prostate Project and European Tour Foundation charity in Surrey, England on Saturday night.
Stewart told the audience that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer during a routine check-up in 2016 and was given an all-clear in July this year.
"Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer," he informed the audience. The British singer added, "No one knows this, but I thought this was about time I told everybody. I'm in the clear, now, simply because I caught it early. I have so many tests," his quote in the Metro reads.
He also urged other men to get their prostates checked regularly to ensure early detection of the disease and increase their chances of survival. "Guys, you've got to really go to the doctor. Finger up the bum, no harm done."
According to the World Health Organization, prostate cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed tye of cancer worldwide, with 1.3 million cases in 2018.
The 74-year-old multiple-award-winning singer and song-writer was joined by his former Faces bandmate Kenney Jones and Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood. As he continued with his emotional speech, his old-time pal Ronnie Wood wrapped his arm around his shoulder and quipped, "Somebody up there likes us, Rod."
Overcoming a deadly disease takes a lot more than regular treatment, positivity helps one gather the courage to be strong during the trying time. Explaining this Stewart said, "If you're positive, and you work through it and you keep a smile on your face… I've worked for two years and I've just been happy, and the good Lord looked after me."
While this is the first time Stewart spoke about his battle with cancer, reports that doctors had 'found a lump' emerged in October 2018, according to Metro.
Stewart, who is 26 years older than his wife and Loose Women star Penny Lancaster, is a father of eight children. Stewart is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.
According to Metro, last week, Lancaster discussed what her life will be like without Stewart. Speaking on Loose Women, the former model said, "Rod's in his 70s, early 70s, and we have a huge family base at home. My life is based on the family, Rod, the children, and I wouldn’t have it any other way," she added. "I do on occasions think, when I'm Rod's age, I won't have my husband and the children will be grown up and gone, and I kind of feel that I need to prepare."
Here's wishing the legend himself good health and long life!
References:
https://www.who.int/cancer/PRGlobocanFinal.pdf
