Rick Steves, who found success on TV, radio and with published guidebooks, has revealed he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but sees the Big C as the next adventure in his life.
The 69-year-old travel expert shared his diagnosis on social media Wednesday night, revealing he plans to undergo surgery in Seattle after he films two more episodes of his long-running PBS program, “Rick Steves’ Europe.”
“I’d like to take a moment to share some important news. I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he wrote. “My doctor assures me that, if you’re going to get cancer, this is a good kind to get, and careful scans show no sign of it having spread. There is a clear path forward to getting healthy, and this fall, I’ll be in the hospital for a few days having prostate surgery.”
With a positive outlook to being “cancer-free and back at it by the end of October,” the Washington-based writer and podcaster said being hospitalized is a first for him.
“While the statistics tell me I should be just fine, I’ve been fortunate to have never spent a night in a hospital — and I find myself going into this adventure almost like it’s some amazing, really important trip,” he said.
Steves added that he expects to take away some positive “souvenirs” from the experience, including “appreciating what a blessing life, health, and this world to enjoy is; and — just in general — being more thankful.”
“I’m looking forward to many more years of happy travels, exciting collaborations, and beautiful friendships,” he concluded.
