‘It can come for anybody’: Rhod Gilbert speaks out about cancer diagnosis in first TV appearance of 2023
‘I thought I'd have life-long immunity!’ comedian quipped during a cancer fundraising TV segment
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rhod Gilbert has spoken out about being diagnosed with stage four cancer in his first TV appearance since receiving the news.
The comedian and presenter first announced that he was being treated for cancer in July, sharing that he was receiving treatment at the same cancer centre for which he’d previously raised money.
Gilbert appeared during the Channel 4 broadcast of the National Comedy Awards on Friday (17 February) in a segment for charity Stand Up To Cancer.
The comic mused on the years he’d spent raising money for cancer research prior to his diagnosis.
“I’ve led five fundraising treks all over the world, I do stand-up comedy nights to raise money, I hosted quizzes,” he explained.
“[Cancer fundraising has] been a big part of my life for the last 10 years, so imagine my surprise when I was diagnosed with cancer.
“Which p***ed me off no end, because I thought I’d have life-long immunity! Apparently not,” he added.
“Apparently you’re just as likely to get cancer even if you spend your time fundraising for a cancer hospital. Anyway, I did get it, and it turns out it can come for anybody.”
Gilbert confirmed that he’d been diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Previously, Gilbert had only shared the symptoms he’d experienced, included a sore throat and tightness in his neck.
“Couldn’t get to the bottom of it, turns out after a biopsy of this lump in my neck that I have something called head and neck cancer. Cancer of the head sounded pretty serious,” he said in the clip, pre-recorded from his home.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Earlier this year, the comic admitted that he was still processing his diagnosis, and that he hadn’t quite worked out what to say about the situation.
“I’m more than happy to talk about it but I haven’t had time to process it at all,” he told The Guardian.
The comedian also revealed that he has written 250 pages of new material for his next stand-up show.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments