Inside Ronnie Wood's health battle – cancer diagnosis and 'making everyday precious'

Rolling Stones icon Ronnie Wood has spoken openly about his health in recent years – including battling cancer twice since 2017.

The star was diagnosed with cancer for a second time during lockdown in 2020, with Ronnie admitting that it has taken “a lot of fighting, a lot of stamina” as he fought the disease.

However, he has since revealed that he has been given the all-clear – as he prepares to embark on a tour with his Rolling Stones band mates across Europe – including several dates in the UK.

As Ronnie turns 75 years old today (June 1, 2022), Daily Star takes a look at his health battles – and how he is planning to “make everyday precious”.

Lung cancer diagnosis

In 2017, Ronnie Wood revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support explains that lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 47,000 people diagnosed with it each year.

The star attributed to his 50 years of smoking “25-30 cigarettes a day,” and told The Express that at the time he dedicated “time to say goodbye” to loved ones, admitting that the disease “could have been curtains” for him.

Following his diagnosis, Ronnie underwent an extensive procedure, which involved a five hour operation to remove part of his lung.

One year later, the rock icon received the news that the surgery had been a success and that he was a cancer free.

Second cancer battle and ‘staying positive’

However in 2021, Ronnie opened up about battling cancer for a second time in five years, after he was diagnosed with small-cell cancer during lockdown.

Small-cell cancer commonly arises in the lung but can affect areas such as the prostate, pancreas, bladder or lymph nodes.

Macmillan Cancer Support explains that small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) makes up around 15 percent of all lung cancers, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) making up the rest.

The star opened up to The Sun about being diagnosed with cancer for a second time, saying that “What will be will be, it’s nothing to do with me.

“All I can do is stay positive in my attitude, be strong and fight it and the rest is up to my higher power.”

Since his diagnosis, Ronnie has confirmed that he has now been given ‘the all clear’, but told Metro that he regularly has checks to keep an eye on his health – and that he feels someone is watching over him.

He said: “It’s gotta be done.

“I have my health check up since I was lucky enough to have the cancer scare and beat it,” adding: “Somebody up there likes me!”

‘Making everyday precious’

Following his second cancer diagnosis, Ronnie Wood explained that he is focused on “making every day precious” as he spends time with his family and friends.

The 74-year-old vowed to make evert day count for the sake of his five-year-old twins Alice and Gracie, who he shares with wife Sally Humphreys.

He told The Times: “It has taken a lot of fighting, a lot of stamina to get through it.

“Of course it’s scary. But ultimately, especially with having my twins, you just want to make every day precious…”

The star was also previously married to model Jo Wood from 1985-2011, with who he has three children called Leah, Jamie and Tyrone.

He also has a son called Jesse, who is married to author and TV presenter Fearne Cotton.

Ex-wife Jo, who has a close friendship with Ronnie, told The Sun that the kids were extremely worried for their dad following his second cancer diagnosis, but that he is doing ‘much better’ in his recovery from the disease.

Talking about how he dealt with the diagnosis and his recovery, she said: “I’m very proud of him. I think they caught it early as he has a history of cancer in his family.

“It was very worrying, especially for the kids. But he’s much better. He’s going to be fine.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk