Michael Douglas has said in an American television interview that the tumour on the base of his tongue is "gone", and has described his experience of battling cancer as "a wild six-month ride".
People magazine reports that in an interview due to be broadcast in the US on the 'Today' show on Tuesday, Douglas says: "I feel good, relieved. The tumour is gone. But, you know, I have to check out on a monthly basis now to maintain [his health].
"I think the odds are with the tumour gone and what I know about this particular type of cancer [is] that I've got it beat."
Douglas says his experience in facing serious illness has changed his outlook on life.
"All of a sudden the affection from my family, from my friends, and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before," he says. "And it gave me a really new appreciation of just how valuable, how precious good friends are and family.
"There's a much deeper feeling. And I've talked to other cancer survivors about this, that - that happens, that you just really, really appreciate what's important in life."
