Rod Stewart survived thyroid cancer

Published: April 11, 2020

Rod Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a common thyroid disorder, in 1999 – an event that has profoundly affected his life. At first, it was thought that the rock star had a benign vocal nodule, but he later revealed the real problem himself.

Fortunately, Rod’s thyroid cancer was found to be slow-growing and in May 2001 the singer underwent surgery at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to have the lump removed. He made a full recovery and has since been committed to raising awareness about the disease.

In an interview with USA Today, he said:

“Needless to say, it was a shock. But fortunately, I had a particularly slow-growing thyroid cancer which was surgically removed, and now I have a clean bill of health…As anyone who has been through this experience knows, when you are so close to something that is potentially life-threatening, you tend to get your life in perspective.”

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” he continues. “The first thing you think is ‘Why?’ The next thing you think is “What can I do to help?’”

The star has reportedly committed himself to helping The City of Hope Foundation, whose mission it is to find cures for all forms of cancer. Rod Stewart is said to have put his personal pool table and vintage jukebox up for auction in order to raise money for the organisation.

According to the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) around 16,000-17,000 cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed every year in the US, yet many remain undiagnosed. The condition afflicts mostly women aged between 25 and 65 and if left untreated can spread to other parts of the body.

The AACE has urged everyone to take the time once in a while to conduct a simple thyroid neck check as follows:

Rod Stewart survived thyroid cancer

1. Stand in front of mirror
2. Stretch neck back
3. Swallow water
4. Look for enlargement in neck (below the adam’s apple, above the collar bone)
6. Feel area to aonfirm enlargement or bump
7. If a problem detected, see an endocrinologist or primary physician

“Most thyroid cancers are highly treatable and with excellent outcomes, particularly if they’re detected early,” AACE President Dr. Paul S. Jellinger told USA Today.

“It’s about as prevalent as cervical cancer, but far less known, which is why we call it ‘the forgotten cancer’,” he added.

Another celebrity who has struggled with thyroid problems is Oprah Winfrey.

Images: PR Photos



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Published April 11, 2020 by in Celebrities
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3 Responses to “Rod Stewart survived thyroid cancer”

  1. Edith L. Cruz

    03. Jan, 2011

    I fully understand, as I am a thyroid cancer surviver too. I was shocked to read about your experience with this disease, but I also realize that it doesn’t discriminate. My experience has left me also with a whole new view of life. Mine was diagnosed when I was only 21. It was the ride of my life. It went into remission after 10 years, but I still have to go to specialist to make sure T4 & T3 are there with me. ;o.)
    I am now 33 going on 34 in February & I have battled with first stage of cervical cancer. Life is a battle indeed, but there are others that always have it worst than you. My inspiration is the children that go through battles with cancer. It leaves me with no complaint.
    Thyroid Cancer is the forgotten cancer, but it is so important and is one of those things that you would consider putting in the category: “You don’t miss it till it’s gone.” God bless you & yours & thanks for sharing and all you do to raise awareness.

    Well… I hope all is well with yours.
    Good Health Wishes for you & your family.

  2. Lucy Birdwell

    27. Sep, 2010

    These are beautiful pictures! Did you take them? Awesome job!

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