This year, legendary singer Rod Stewart is getting back on stage, bringing his renowned voice to life with songs from his latest album, “The Tears of Hercules,” along with beloved classics spanning his impressive 50-year career.
Tackling Health Challenges Head-On: The Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
During a candid chat on ITV’s “Loose Women,” Rod shared his experience overcoming thyroid cancer. He explained, “I discovered I had a little thyroid cancer, but thankfully it was removed in just five minutes.”
The surgery was swift and painless, leaving Rod feeling grateful yet facing an unexpected challenge ahead. “I don’t want to make it seem as though I fought cancer for an extended period. It was relatively easy to remove, but the price was dear—I completely lost my voice,” he confessed.
“It was quite frightening because I couldn’t produce a single note,” he recalled, describing how invasive the surgery was. “When they operate, they go through your throat, moving all the muscles.”
Determined to reclaim his voice, Rod dedicated himself to vocal recovery. “I often mentioned ‘Wake up, Maggie,’ but nowadays it feels outdated; it’s like waking from a dream that’s just slipped away. It took exactly six months to regain my voice after losing it,” he narrated.
A Time for Reflection: Rod’s Perspective Post-Diagnosis
In an insightful interview with USA Today, Rod discussed the impact of his diagnosis, “It was, no doubt, a shock,” he admitted.
Thankfully, his thyroid cancer was slow-growing, allowing it to be safely removed. “Now, I’m in excellent health,” he shared.
Reflecting on facing such close proximity to a life-threatening condition, Rod noted, “When you experience something that could jeopardize your life, it inevitably puts things in perspective.”
In his reflections that appeared in his book, he expressed, “I felt a level of fear and vulnerability that was completely new to me.”
A Journey Beyond Thyroid Cancer: Overcoming Prostate Cancer
In an emotional announcement in 2019, Rod revealed he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer, three years after the diagnosis. His words offered hope to many, “Two years ago, I was informed about my prostate cancer.”
Thanks to prompt identification and treatment, Rod is now cancer-free. “Catching it early ensured my freedom from the disease,” he stated thankfully.
Encouraging awareness, Rod added at a Prostate Project event, “Guys, it’s crucial to visit the doctor… it doesn’t hurt to get checked.”
Rod Stewart’s health journey is not only a tale of resilience and hope but also a reminder of the importance of early detection and treatment. With his spirit undeterred, Rod’s message is clear — life is meant to be lived fully, challenges and all.