Michael Douglas' Throat Cancer Comes After Many Years of Abuse

Michael Douglas has throat cancer, as reported at Fox News. The Academy Award winning actor is set to receive radiation and chemotherapy.

Michael Douglas quit smoking in 2006 after a half-a-pack-a-day habit. But was the damage already done?

As reported at CNN Health, "Throat cancer refers to cancerous tumors that develop in your throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx) or tonsils." And as reported at Home Health UK, "Cancers of the mouth and throat are more common in men and people over the age of 45."

The 65-year-old Michael Douglas is well over 45 and indulged in a habit that is a number one cause of the problem. As much as 90 percent of throat cancer is caused by tobacco products. In addition, if Michael Douglas was a drinker, as well, 75 percent of throat cancer is linked to drinking. After 10 years of quitting smoking, for good, a person's risk severely decreases. However, it has not been 10 years for Michael Douglas.

What are the chances that Michael Douglas' throat cancer will get cured?

With early detection, Michael Douglas can make a recovery with proper treatment. The last thing Michael Douglas wants is for his larynx and pharynx to be removed or for the cancer to spread to other parts of his body. Michael Douglas says his doctors are optimistic, and of course, his fans wish to be too.

The news that Michael Douglas has throat cancer comes after other bad news

It's not been a good time for Michael Douglas. In addition to his current health situation, his son Cameron is serving a five year prison sentence for dealing drugs. On the up side, Michael Douglas, who won an Oscar for his role as Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street, will appear as Gordon Gekko again in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps set to release in September. But as Michael Douglas gets his throat cancer treated, it will likely interfere with his ability to promote the movie.

Sources:

Michael Douglas Has Throat Cancer, Fox News

Neal Karlinsky and Sheila Marikar, Michael Douglas' Cancer: Have Years of Smoking and Drinking Caught Up With Him?, ABC

Cancers of the mouth and throat, Home Health UK

Throat cancer, CNN Health

Cancer - throat or larynx, Medline Plus

What are the Benefits of Quitting Smoking?, QuitSmokingSupport.com