Ryan O’Neal Stage Four Prostate Cancer

Posted: Mar 27 2012

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HOLLYWOOD – 70-year-old Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O’Neal has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.

The actor, who won a late 1990s battle with myelogenous leukemia – an cancer causing the bone marrow to produce too many white blood cells, said his doctors have told him he has a good chance of making a full recovery.

O’Neal released this statement:

“Recently I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.

Although I was shocked and stunned by the news, I feel fortunate that it was detected early and according to my extraordinary team of doctors the prognosis is positive for a full recovery.

I am deeply grateful for the support of my friends and family during this time, and I urge everyone to get regular check-ups, as early detection is the best defense against this horrible disease that has afflicted so many.”

His latest diagnosis comes three years after he lost his longtime love Farrah Fawcett, who he had an on-off relationship with from 1979 until her death in 2009 from anal cancer at the age of 62.

Actor Ryan O'Neal. Photo Credit: AEP

Recommended treatment for localized stage four prostate cancer involves a combination of radiation therapy and hormone therapy. The latter removes the male hormones which make the prostate cancer grow.

However if it has spread to distant organs and bones it is treatable, but not curable with current standard therapies.