March 10, 2010
The Welsh-Australian actor Andy Whitfield, who plays the title role in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand, has announced he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of cancer, and will begin treatment immediately.
According to the Starz network, on which the show runs, the disease was discovered during a routine checkup, but Whitfield's doctors are optimistic that the condition is treatable and was detected in its early stages.
In making the announcement, the 36-year-old actor has demonstrated a survivor spirit when he said that he was "feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me."
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 66,120 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2008.
According to the University of Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center, the only known preventable risk factor for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is infection with HIV and other infections that weaken the immune system.
Despite similar diagnosis, many people have been able to live thriving and fulfilling lives.
Organizations such as Leukemia and Lymphoma Society provide access to valuable resources and accept donations towards finding a cure.
