Larry King has revealed that he has been secretly battling lung cancer this year, and is recovering after undergoing a life-saving surgery in July.
The 83-year-old interviewer said his doctors diagnosed him with lung cancer after one of his annual chest x-rays.
"I didn't have any pain, but when they took a chest x-ray the doctor said, 'There's a little cloud here...' They said I was lucky and smart to get annual chest x-rays because lung cancer doesn't give you any signs until it's in late stages. And by then it's too late," he told People magazine.
King underwent surgery to remove the cancerous mass and returned to work within a week; as soon as his speech was back.
He is hopeful that by sharing his story he will inspire others to get regular health checks as early detection is key.
"When I had my heart attack and was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes (in 1987) and prostate cancer (in 1999), I talked about it and felt that I helped a lot of people. I want people to make sure to get annual x-rays," he said.
"My father died so young, so I feel blessed to have had the life I had. I've been a long time in this business, and I love everything I do. I love living."
