Ronnie Wood reveals he was diagnosed with lung cancer: 'It was a supernova burning on my left lung'

Guitarist said he did not consider chemotherapy because he didn't want to lose his hair

Ronnie Wood (second to left) with the Rolling Stones in 2016

Ronnie Wood has revealed he was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year.

The 70-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist said his doctor asked if he could check his heart during a routine health check and found what Wood described as "a supernova burning away on my left lung... He asked my what I wanted to do and my answer was simple: 'Just get it out of me.'"

Wood, who smoked for 50 years before quitting after his wife gave birth to their twin daughters, says he is healthy for now after undergoing a five-hour operation.

He told the Mail on Sunday that he had not considered chemotherapy because "I wasn't going to lose my hair. This hair wasn't going anywhere".

He added: "People have to get checked. Seriously have to get checked. I was bloody lucky but then I've always had a very strong guardian angel looking out for me. By rights I shouldn't be here."

He posted a link to his interview on Twitter and wrote: "Thank you for all your words of support... I'm feeling great and ready to see you on the road next month."

Wood has been married to Sally Humphreys, 39, since 2012. She gave birth to twins Gracie Jane and Alice Rose on 30 May last year.

The Rolling Stones are on tour from September and will play 14 gigs across Europe. They will not play in teh UK due to a "lack of available venues because of sporting fixtures".

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