Sir Elton Sends Love And Hope
- The singer was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago and beat it; he is ready to hit the road for touring.
- COVID put a damper on tour plans for 2020, but Elton says he will return to America in January 2022.
- Prostate cancer is treatable with surgery, immunotherapies, and preventable measures can be taken to decrease risk factors.
But, Elton fans: Fear not! The Rocketman has announced that he will resume his American tour plans for the year 2022. At which point, he'll commence an epic "Farewell Yellowbrick Road Tour."
Read MoreIt is with great excitement that we can announce Elton's return to the stage in North America on January 19, 2022.
For more information, please visit https://t.co/CcJKU471U8 #eltonfarewelltour pic.twitter.com/M3qZrR5yYE— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 23, 2020
He goes on to say that that he'll be back touring in North America starting in January 2022. Elton says he's using his downtime to keep "fighting fit" and "healthier than ever." Ending the video, he tells fans, "Thank you, and I love you all."
Elton is not only the apple of his fans' eyes, but he's a trooper, too, that much is sure. He may have penned gentle ballads like "Your Song," "Candle in the Wind," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," and more, but this man is a fighter and a powerhouse.
Cancer Didn’t Stop Him
He didn't let cancer stop him admitting that he even performed onstage wearing a diaper after surgery for his prostate cancer and the upending events of 2020 won't stop him, either.
The showman was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. And he almost died from complications following surgery for his cancer.
But Elton sees the silver lining. He credits his cancer with giving him a sign that he needed to "learn to slow down." And while he's slowing down for this year, the tunes will ramp up again come 2022.
What to Know About Prostate Cancer
The singer was 70-years-old when he received his diagnosis. Prostate cancer typically develops in men aged 65 or older, so Elton was in the prime demographic.
The National Cancer Institute reports that prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. This type of cancer begins in the prostate gland, which is located between the rectum and the bladder; the prostate produces the fluid that nourishes sperm. This cancer often grows slowly, so it might take years to spread and thus become life-threatening. As a result, screening for prostate cancer is critical, especially as men get older.
Related: If You Have a Family History of Prostate Cancer, Get Screened Early
There are good treatment options for this cancer. And new therapies are also in development, which will hopefully bring new treatment options with fewer negative side effects.
Factors That Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer
Getting older is a main increase factor for prostate cancer risk. Here are the primary risk factors:
- Age
- Race (Black men face a higher risk of prostate cancer, as well as a higher rate of death from the disease.)
- Family History
- Genetics (If you have close male relatives who have had this cancer, you should start screening for it at an earlier age.)
Strategies to help avoid getting this cancer include: quitting smoking, exercising regularly, cutting out simples sugars and unhealthy fats, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Considering Chemotherapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer as Sir Elton shows us is a survivable disease. And by taking proactive steps, you can keep ahead of the curve when it comes to your health.
Related: A Healthy Sex Life Is Possible Following Prostate Surgery
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