Rick Steves, the well-known travel writer and TV host, has shared his recent prostate cancer diagnosis with the public. Steves, an Edmonds resident, explained in a Wednesday announcement that his medical scans indicate no spread of the cancer and that his prospects for recovery are promising. Following a plan to undergo prostate surgery by the end of September, Steves anticipates being cancer-free around the end of October, according to KING 5.
Despite the diagnosis, the prolific travel expert is not slowing down. Before his scheduled surgery, Steves is committed to filming two new television shows in France over the next three weeks. It is after these projects that he'll return to his hometown of Edmonds by mid-September, with the surgery expected to take place shortly thereafter. Prostate cancer, while a serious diagnosis, affects approximately 12.8% of men in their lifetime according to the National Cancer Institute. Steves himself noted, "If you’re going to get cancer, this is a good kind to get," expressing a positive outlook on his path to recovery, as per FOX 13 Seattle.
The trust Steves places in his medical team is a significant part of his optimistic approach to treating his condition. He has pointed out the expertise of his doctors and the resources available at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. "I have great trust in my doctor and in Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center," Steves mentioned in his comments, voicing appreciation for the support he's received from his community and leaning on his faith during this period, as reported by FOX 13 Seattle.
Moreover, through his bout with cancer, Steves is grateful for his circumstances. "I'm looking forward to many more years of happy travels, exciting collaborations, and beautiful friendships. Thank you for your love and support (and any 'travel tips' you may have for me as I set off on this journey)," he shared, coupling these sentiments with a photo from his past journeys captioned, "Be thankful." Those near and far have come to know Steves not only for his travel expertise but also for the rich body of work he's created in his field: guidebooks, television shows, a radio program, and a tour program that leads 30,000 travelers through Europe each year, as cited by People.
