Brave ‘X Factor’ Star Johnny Ruffo 'Still Fighting' in Brain Cancer Battle: How His Loving Girlfriend Is Getting Him Through

"At some point it will get me, but I'm still fighting. Still kicking on," Ruffo previously said, according to The Daily Mail, a U.K. based news outlet.

In the post, he thanked his girlfriend, Tahnee Sims, who is seen having a meal with Ruffo and his mother, for her unyielding support since his diagnosis.

"She is here with me every step of the way. I'm so very grateful to have her by my side, I don't know what I would do without her," he said.

For cancer warriors or anyone battling a disease, finding support through loved ones or people outside the home is key to staying motivated while on your journey. It's clear the impact Ruffo's girlfriend and family is having on his ability to fight. He says he's already outlived his life-expectancy after getting his diagnosis six years ago.

Support groups help cancer fighters alleviate anxiety and depression as cancer treatments become more intense over time.

Dr. Shelly Tworoger, a researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center, told SurvivorNet that "there's a number of common things cancer patients can experience, such as anxiety, depression, financial toxicity, social isolation."

Knowing you have loved ones by your side at every step and help you process those emotions and cope with your new reality during your journey.

Johnny Ruffo's Cancer Journey

Johnny Ruffo, 35, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 when he went to the doctor for painful migraines he had been experiencing. In August of that year, doctors found and surgically removed a 7-centimeter tumor from his frontal lobe.

After surgery, he underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy causing the cancer to go into remission, however his cancer returned in November 2021. Not being one to shy away from the spotlight, the cancer warrior has since been very open with his various rounds of chemotherapy over the years.

According to the Daily Mail, in August 2022, Ruffo announced his brain cancer diagnosis was terminal, as his thoughts immediately turned to the impact it would have on his beloved girlfriend.

"You can only imagine how difficult it's been for her…It's something that I don't want to think about. It just gets me a little bit emotional," he said.

Making Sense of a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), brain tumors account for 85-90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, acts as the main "processing center" for the nervous system, according to the American Cancer Society. Normal function of the brain and spinal cord can become difficult if there's a tumor present that puts pressure on or spreads into nearby normal tissue interrupting messages sent from the brain to the rest of the body.

Brain tumors can be either cancerous (malignant) or benign (noncancerous) and can affect both children and adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Only about one-third of brain tumors are cancerous, the clinic added.

WATCH: Can cell phone usage cause brain cancer?

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Cancer

As you read, Johnny Ruffo experienced migraines before being diagnosed with brian cancer. Brain tumors impact a person's brain function and overall health, depending on their size, type and location within the brain. Tumors that grow big enough and disrupt normal central nervous system functioning can press on nearby nerves, blood vessels or other tissues. The disrupted central nervous system can present in a variety of ways, potentially making it difficult to walk or maintain your balance.

However, it’s important to know that brain tumors do not always cause symptoms.

Other signs of brain tumors can also cause include:

• Headaches
• Difficulty speaking or thinking
• Weakness
• Behavioral changes
• Vision changes
• Seizures
• Loss of hearing
• Confusion
• Memory loss

Treatments for Brain Tumors

Treatment options for brain cancer depend on a variety of factors, including the size and type of the tumor as well as the grade of the tumor.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are options doctors use to treat brain tumors. Cancer warriors are encouraged to talk to their doctor to learn their specific situation and what options are best suited for treatment.

The prognosis for brain cancer, or how likely it is to be cured, depends on a few things:

• The type of brain tumor
• How fast the brain tumor is growing
• The tumor's location
• If there are DNA changes in the cells of the brain tumor
• If the entire tumor can be removed with surgery
  Your overall health

Your doctor will be able to help you understand your specific and unique circumstances and how they relate to your prognosis.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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