Actor Ernie Hudson, 78, of “Ghostbusters” fame, is turning heads for his fantastic physique amid his golden years. The two-time cancer survivor says he focuses on his fitness to live a healthy life. Since surviving cancer, he’s also become a cancer awareness advocate.
Hudson was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998 and rectal cancer in 2011. He credits his ability to beat both cancers with routine screening for catching the cancers early, followed by treatment. He says he is “cancer-free” today.
SurvivorNet experts recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management for cancer survivors to lead healthy lives. They may also recommend regular checks for recurrence.
Hudson participated in numerous public service announcements encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, according to the National Cancer Institute. It can cause a handful of cancers, including cervical and throat cancers.
The HPV vaccine, like Gardasil 9, offers protection against “nine HPV types” and creates an immune response to HPV 16, the primary cause of 92% of head and neck cancers.
Actor Ernie Hudson, 78, is turning heads as he reemerged into the spotlight with a toned physique. The “Ghostbusters” star sported a toned midsection and muscular biceps while appearing at a promotional event for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in London.
Although Hudson is known for his role in the iconic ’80s movie, he’s also a two-time cancer survivor who’s equally remarkable. The fit and healthy lifestyle he’s forged over the decades may inspire other cancer survivors who, too, can benefit from keeping up with their health.
“Fans are stunned over 87-year-old ‘Ghostbusters’ star Ernie Hudson’s fit physique,” an Access Hollywood Instagram video post said.
“I’ve always tried to be healthy,” Hudson told People Magazine.
“My career hasn’t been about focusing on my physicality,” Hudson added, noting that his roles usually dress him in a suit or similar uniform.
“The most important thing for me is just to try to maintain your health, just common-sense stuff,” Hudson said.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Ernie Hudson Jr. at the London photocall of Columbia Pictures’ Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire on March 21, 2024, in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Columbia Pictures)
Although Hudson’s motivation behind his admirable physique is health-focused, countless social media users couldn’t stop complimenting him.
“Waiter, I’ll have some of what he ordered,” Instagram user Greg Berzinksy commented.
It is a joy to see Hudson thriving in his golden years. However, making the milestone more notable is that he is a two-time cancer survivor.
Expert Resources on Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Screening
Hudson is an award-winning actor whose shining star reached new heights with the 1984 hit “Ghostbusters,” where he portrayed Winston Zeddmore. Since that production, he’s maintained an active role in television and films. He also starred in the late ’90s TV series “Oz,” and around the 2010s, he starred in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” as Dr. Ken Fields.
However, in 1998, his television appearances were more sporadic as he dealt with prostate cancer.
“When I heard the word cancer, it was one of the most devastating moments in my life,” Hudson previously shared with Fox59 News.
According to Prevent Cancer Foundation, a resource website that promotes cancer awareness, Hudson discovered his cancer early after undergoing routine screening.
When you do get screened for prostate cancer, your doctor will run a few tests.
One of the tests is the PSA test, a simple blood test that screens for prostate cancer. It looks for more significant amounts of protein-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. An elevated PSA test does not always mean you have prostate cancer. It could also reflect that your prostate is enlarged, which is common, or it could signal an infection or inflammation.
Your doctor may also conduct a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check your prostate for lumps.
Depending on the results of these tests, imaging scans and a biopsy may be ordered.
WATCH: How Gleason Grade Determines Treatment
After tests are conducted, your doctor analyzes the results to give you a Gleason Score. This score ranges from 6 to 10. The higher the score, the more aggressive the cancer.
This score, along with your other test results, helps doctors determine if your cancer is “low risk,” “intermediate risk,” or “high risk.”
Prostate cancer does not always behave the same in every man it impacts. The cancer can be considered “low-risk” and can be slow-growing, and treatment might not be necessary. In other men, the cancer may grow faster or more aggressively, requiring more immediate treatment. Because of this, there is some debate about screening.
The United States Preventive Services Taskforce recommends men at average risk between the ages of 55-69 years old should talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at age 50 who are at average risk should begin screening. Men who are at high risk of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40. Men with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer should consider annual screenings in their 30s.
Most doctors agree that men over the age of 70 do not need screening.
Left to right: Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson (background), and Bill Murray in a scene from the film Ghostbusters,’ directed by Ivan Reitman, 1984. (Photo by Columbia Pictures/Getty Images)
Hudson was also diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2011. This type of cancer develops in the tissues of the rectum. This type of cancer is sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer. While rectal and colorectal cancers are similar, they’re treated differently due to the cancer’s location along the intestine.
Hudson previously told Fox19 News that after being diagnosed with rectal cancer, his treatment was “more complicated and came close to dying, but due to early prevention, I was able to find it, and now I’m cancer-free.”
Hudson’s Advocacy for the Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)
Following Hudson’s own cancer experience and understanding just how valuable early detection and cancer prevention are, he became an advocate for cancer awareness.
Hudson became the public face of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. He appeared in several public service announcements promoting the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV)
“Sometimes I play a hero in a movie or on TV, but what I’m most proud of is being a hero to my four kids. I did that by beating cancer twice,” he said in the ad.
He ended the promotional spot by encouraging viewers to get the HPV vaccine.
“Getting tested for cancer saved my life. Getting your son or daughter vaccinated could save theirs,” he said.
More on the HPV Vaccine
HPV infection is linked to multiple cancers, and most sexually active people will get the disease at some point in their lives.
Although nearly all cases of cervical cancer are indeed caused by HPV, people should also be aware that HPV puts both men and women at risk of developing several other cancers, such as oral cancer and cancers of the vagina, penis, anus, and throat.
WATCH: Why the HPV Vaccine is so Important in Preventing Cancer
Overall, HPV is believed to be the cause of 90% of anal and cervical cancers, approximately 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and 60% of penile cancers.
“There are no screening guidelines to screen for throat cancer, unlike cervical cancer with pap smears,” says Dr. Jessica Geiger, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet. “There are no standard tests to determine if you harbor the virus.”
On the plus side, HPV-related throat cancers are generally very responsive to a combination of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, according to Dr. Geiger.
“The cure rates for people who have HPV-related disease are a lot higher than those who have tobacco-related throat cancer,” she said.
Protecting Against HPV
Nearly 80 million Americans have HPV today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It impacts men and women and won’t cause problems for most people.
However, in a small percentage of cases, it can lead to cancer.
The HPV vaccine is recommended to protect against HPV and, therefore, HPV-related cancers.
Gardasil 9 is an HPV vaccine that offers protection against “nine HPV types: the two low-risk HPV types that cause most genital warts, plus seven high-risk HPV types that cause most HPV-related cancer,” according to the National Cancer Institute.
The vaccine creates an immune response to HPV 16, the primary cause of 92% of head and neck cancers. Once children are vaccinated, they cannot be infected with that strain. For parents, the HPV vaccine enables them to protect their children from developing cancer in the future.
“The key with the vaccine is that you receive it before you have sexual encounters,” says Dr. Geiger. “So that’s why these vaccines are approved for young children … ages 9, 10, 11 years old, up to age 26.”
According to the CDC, the HPV vaccine is recommended for all male and female preteens 11 to 12 years old, and it is given in two doses between six and 12 months.
The series of shots can also start as young as 9.
The CDC also notes that teens and young adults through age 26 who didn’t start or finish the HPV vaccine series also need the vaccine.
Additionally, people with weakened immune systems or teens and young adults between 15 and 26 who started the series should get three doses instead of two.
Although adults up to 45 can still receive the vaccine, it’s not recommended for everyone older than 26. Still, a person older than 26 could choose to get vaccinated after talking to their doctor about possible benefits, even despite it being less effective in this age range, as more people have already been exposed to HPV by this point.
WATCH: Should children get the HPV Vaccine?
Vaccine hesitancy can impede people from getting the vaccine. The concern may come from parents who may feel the vaccine paves the way for early sexual activity. For this reason, some health practitioners educate the public differently about the vaccine.
“I think rebranding the vaccine as a cancer vaccine, rather than an STD vaccine, is critically important,” saysDr. Ted Teknos, a head and neck cancer surgeon and scientific director of University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center.
Dr. Teknos believes concerted efforts to “change the mindset around the vaccine” can make a difference.
Benefits of Living a Healthy Lifestyle After Cancer
For cancer patients, there are many advantages to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment. The general recommendations for a healthy lifestyle are similar whether you have cancer or not.
Dr. Ken Miller, the Director of Outpatient Oncology at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, shared some guidelines for cancer survivors who are concerned about a recurrence with SurvivorNet:
Exercise at least two hours a week, and walking counts.
Eat a low-fat diet.
Eat a colorful diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. The American Cancer Society recommends aiming for two to three cups of vibrant vegetables and fruits each day.
Maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that being obese can increase your risk for several types of cancer.
“The more physically fit you are going through your cancer treatment, the fewer side effects you’ll have and the faster you’ll get back to your normal quality of life,” Dr. Sairah Ahmedtold SurvivorNet.
Dr. Ahmed is an associate professor in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
