If you’re a fan of weather reports or morning news in general, then there’s a good chance Today’s Al Roker is a part of your daily routine. The veteran meteorologist and TV personality has been informing and entertaining audiences for years and has a spot in many of our hearts. Recently, Roker got candid about a very personal aspect of his life, as he announced that he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He’s since received an outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues, and he’s now taking the time to thank them.
Al Roker announced his cancer diagnosis on last Friday’s episode of The Today Show, revealing that he received the news during a routine check-up in September. Thankfully, he says that the cancer was detected early but, due to the aggressive treatment, he confirmed that he will be taking time off from Today. Roker also expressed his hope that by speaking out, it would encourage others who are fighting it and motivate other men to get themselves checked out.
In a sweet Twitter post, Roker thanked everyone for their support during this time. You can check out the post down below:
After making the announcement, the show aired an interview with Al Roker in which he recalled coming into work the day after he first learned of his diagnosis. He reflected on the feeling of knowing there was nothing outwardly different about him but being aware that there was in fact something different on the inside:
It was a Tuesday, and it was weird because I didn’t physically feel any different. But I was different because I knew that I have cancer… Nobody could outwardly see anything different about me. I looked in the mirror, there was nothing outwardly different, but I knew there was something intrinsically, inherently, internally different.
Roker went onto explain how the cancer took him and his family by surprise but continued to emphasize how fortunate he feels that it was found early. He also explained that he’s started a treatment plan and highlighted his prostate surgeon and his work.
It takes great strength to fight cancer, but it takes even more courage to be open up about it with the public at large. Like Erin Andrews and Jeff Bridges, Roker has no problem at all with sharing the news, as he knows doing so could actually help to benefit the public in the long run.
As a Black man myself, it’s good to hear Al Roker highlight the rate at which Black men contract prostate cancer. Hopefully, his willingness to share his story will lead someone else to do the same or influence others to see a doctor to keep tabs on their chances of getting it.
We here at CinemaBlend wish Al Roker and his family all of the best during this time.
