Michael Douglas’ throat cancer not effecting his positive attitute

Actor Michael Douglas remains positive in the public eye after announcing to the world that he has throat cancer. Even though his throat cancer is at Stage 4, it has not spread. His doctors have told him he has an 80% chance of beating the cancer.

The New Jersey born Douglas had spent months looking for answers after having constant throat and ear pain, and it was only in August that doctors discovered his stage 4 oropharyngeal cancer.

“The big thing you’re always worried about is it spreading. … I am above the neck, so nothing’s gone down, and the expectations are good,” Douglas told David Letterman on his show.

Douglas says he has been a heavy drinker and smoker for a lot of years. Eight in 10 people with throat cancer use tobacco and drink alcohol, according to the American Cancer Society. Men are also at higher risk than women for developing this type of cancer.

Tongue and throat cancers have a very high rate of cure if caught in the early stages, however the after-effects of the treatment can be rather long-lasting and rather extensive. Cancers that begin at the base of the tongue are usually painless and they are often advanced when diagnosed. Douglas is in his second of an eight week chemo and radiation treatment.