Michael Douglas on Stage 4 Cancer: 80% Chance

It's 'intense,' says optimistic actor
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 1, 2010 5:02 AM CDT

Though he's undergoing chemo, Michael Douglas still managed to appear on the David Letterman Show last night, where he talked quite openly about his throat cancer, which the former smoker said is "caused by alcohol and drinking.” When Letterman asked why the actor didn't sound like he had cancer, Douglas replied, "Because I'm on stage." And when Letterman asked if there was anything he could do, Douglas responded: "Ah, give me a hug."

Douglas is currently undergoing 8 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, which may affect his voice. Though his cancer is at the most advanced stage, it hasn't spread beneath his neck and he said he has an 80% chance of beating it. His treatment will likely impact promotional appearances for his upcoming film, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. (More throat cancer stories.)

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