‘Walking Dead’ Star and Stage 4 Cancer Survivor Erik Jensen, 54, Says ‘Music Heals’ as He Praises Vinyl Record Collection for Helping Him Through Treatment
‘Walking Dead’ Star and Stage 4 Cancer Survivor Erik Jensen, 54, Says ‘Music Heals’ as He Praises Vinyl Record Collection for Helping Him Through Treatment
Walking Dead actor Erik Jensen, 54, continues to thrive nearly a year into remission after scans showed “no signs of disease.” Reflecting on his cancer journey, Jensen credits music with helping him endure the challenges of chemotherapy.
Engaging in art—whether through music, painting, or dance—can offer therapeutic benefits for cancer patients. Research suggests that those who incorporate artistic expression into their recovery process may experience reduced depression, anxiety, fatigue, and drowsiness.
A study of 300 cancer patients found that both music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as talk therapy, significantly helped alleviate anxiety, particularly during treatment.
Colorectal cancer develops when polyps in the colon are left untreated and become cancerous—a process that can take up to 10 years, according to SurvivorNet experts. Stage 4 indicates the cancer has spread beyond the colon.
A colonoscopy allows doctors to detect and remove polyps before they turn cancerous. Experts recommend routine colon cancer screenings starting at age 45, though individuals with a family history of cancer may benefit from earlier testing.
Walking Dead actor Erik Jensen, 54, is nearing a significant milestone—one year in remission—a remarkable achievement for any cancer patient, especially one diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Throughout his arduous chemotherapy treatments, Jensen found solace in his expansive vinyl record collection, using music to navigate the emotional and physical toll of his battle with cancer.
Jensen shared his gratitude on Instagram, writing, “Music heals, and I am still here as evidence of that fact!”
Diagnosed in 2023, Jensen underwent intensive treatment, and by the summer of 2024, scans showed “no evidence of disease,” marking his remission. As of June 2025, his scans remain clear.
His GoFundMe provided an uplifting update: “Erik is NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE. That means he’s all clear! no cancer! he’s recovered from his surgery, and we still have more doctor’s appointments than we’d like, but he’s also done with any unpleasant treatment for the foreseeable future.”
Music therapy has long been recognized as a tool for supporting cancer patients through treatment. A study presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting reinforces the benefits of music for patients. “Anxiety is prevalent, disruptive, and under-treated among cancer survivors,” the report states, suggesting that music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as talk therapy, can help alleviate anxiety.
“Music therapy (MT) has demonstrated short-term anxiety reduction,” the report explains.
The study tracked 300 patients who incorporated music therapy and CBT into their care over a 26-week period. Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—a self-reported questionnaire monitoring depression, fatigue, insomnia, pain, cognitive function, and overall quality of life—patients documented their anxiety levels.
“Both treatments produced clinically meaningful, durable anxiety reduction and were delivered remotely using standardized protocols, thereby increasing their reach and scalability. Music therapy should be considered alongside first-line CBT to expand treatment options for anxiety during cancer survivorship,” the study concluded.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 05: Erik Jensen, Sadie, and Jessica Blank attend the New York Premiere of ABC’s “For Life” at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on February 05, 2020, in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images)
Jensen’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the healing power of music, reinforcing the importance of holistic approaches to cancer care.
Cancer patients often face immense emotional and physical stress, particularly as they adjust to treatment. During these challenging times, engaging in creative therapies—such as music, dance, painting, and other forms of artistic expression—can provide significant relief and emotional support.
A 2020 study examined the effects of therapeutic artmaking on patients undergoing radiation oncology treatment. Although the research had a limited scope, findings showed that mindfulness-based art therapy helped reduce depression, anxiety, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Health, emphasized the importance of emotional well-being in cancer care, telling SurvivorNet, “Emotional health and good quality of life are associated with better survival and outcomes.” Her insights highlight the powerful role that art therapy can play in improving a patient’s overall mental and emotional resilience.
Jensen’s Cancer Journey
Jensen is perhaps best known for playing Dr. Steven Edwards on the popular AMC television drama. In 2023, he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which by that time had spread to his liver.
Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity (the space in your abdomen that holds your intestines, stomach, and liver).
WATCH: Colon Cancer Screening is Extremely Important
Colorectal cancer happens when polyps are not removed and become cancerous. It can take up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become cancerous, according to SurvivorNet experts. Fortunately, most colorectal cancers can be prevented if you are regularly screened.
SurvivorNet experts recommend a colonoscopy for colon screening. Remember, if you’re at average risk, meaning you don’t have risk factors like a family history of the disease or are a smoker, you should begin colonoscopies at age 45.
Photo: YouTube Screenshot of “Walking Dead” scene featuring Erik Jensen.
Jensen underwent chemotherapy for nearly a year to combat the cancer.
Jensen knows even though his doctors found no evidence of disease right now, recurrence (cancer returning) is always a possibility as he enters survivorship.
“That doesn’t mean there’s not going to be a recurrence or anything like that, but they’ll catch that in time and burn that away if they need to,” Jensen explained.
Coping With the Possibility of Cancer Returning
Since Jensen was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, there is a chance it will return – also called recurrence.
Recurrences are more common with later stages, SurvivorNet experts say. Doctors will often recommend chemotherapy after surgery for stage three colon cancer (and high-risk stage two) to help mitigate recurrence risks.
If colon cancer is going to recur, it will most commonly happen within the first two years. The way doctors attempt to manage these cancers will depend on the location of the recurrence and how quickly it returns. If it comes back in multiple areas, this suggests a more aggressive disease and chemotherapy will likely be recommended.
WATCH: When Colon Cancer Comes Back
“Recurrent cancer can happen anywhere. It can happen right where the piece was taken out. Or it can happen in the liver, or it can happen in the lung,” Dr. Heather Yeo, Colorectal Surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine, tells SurvivorNet.
“Management of recurrent cancer kind of depends on where it comes back. If it comes back in a lot of places, we really get worried that it’s what we call aggressive disease. Chemotherapy is the first line of treatment in those cases,” Dr. Yeo adds.
Cancer that returns beyond two years can be removed, and the patient can still have a good long-term prognosis.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you are facing a colon cancer diagnosis, here are some questions you may ask your doctor.
What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
What support services are available to me? To my family?
Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?
