Y&R Star Eric Braeden Shares a Health Update
Soap fans were stunned when THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS star Eric Braeden (Victor) shared that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer but he assured everyone that he was fighting with everything he has and would beat it.
Braeden is currently in the middle of a six-week infusion process to treat the high-grade cancer cells in his bladder. “At the moment I feel pretty good,” he told ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT. He then raised his fists like a boxer and added: “Taking it on.”
It wasn’t until he saw a second doctor for his prostate problems that Braeden learned that he had been misdiagnosed by the first doctor and did, in fact, have cancer. So he decided to take advantage of his position as a celebrity to spread the word and help others.
“The word cancer is scary,” the Daytime Emmy winner allowed. “But I’ve tried to be a good role model. I just want men to know not to be scared of that. I want them to know to have your prostate examined. Have your bladder examined. Have your colon examined. Just acquaint yourself with it and be open about it so that way you take the fear out of people. A lot of men, me included, would not want to know about it. That’s nonsense.”
Braeden also feels that his background has helped him deal with his diagnosis and make it through the treatment process. “I’m from the world of sports,” he explained. “I don’t give up easily. I know a good attitude helps. This is manageable. No two ways about it. I said, ‘Alright, I’ll deal with it. How do I improve as quick as I can?’”
As he continues his fight, Braeden is grateful for all the support he has received from family, friends, and Y&R fans. And during the interview, the actor was shown a video message from sports reporter Stephen A. Smith (Brick, GENERAL HOSPITAL) to urge him to keep fighting, educating, and inspiring everyone.
Clearly touched by the message as he wiped a tear from his eye, Braeden couldn’t resist teasing his pal. “One of the brightest people I’ve ever met,” he declared before joking: “Except he watches the wrong show. He watches General Hospital. Are you kidding me?” He then smiled and added, “I’m kidding.”
Please join us in wishing Braeden all the best as he battles cancer and keep checking back here at SoapsInDepth.com for further updates.
