Actor and comedian Kathy Griffin announced that she has lung cancer in message posted to social media.
“I’ve got to tell you guys something,” she wrote in a note posted across platforms. “I have cancer. I’m about to go into surgery to have half my left lung removed.”
Related: CEO caught harassing gay teen who wore dress to prom. Kathy Griffin helped him get “online famous.”
Griffin stressed that she has “never smoked.” Lung cancer among women is attributed to smoking in 70% of cases, one study found.
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She said that her doctors are “very optimistic” because it was caught early and that she should make a recovery from the surgery in less than a month.
“Of course I am fully vaccinated for COVID,” she assured her fans. “The consequences for being unvaccinated would have been even more serious.”
In 2017, Griffin shaved her head to support her sister Joyce, who had cancer. Joyce died several months later, and Griffin’s brother Gary passed away due to cancer in 2014.
Fans sent her messages of support on social media.
You are lucky Jesus doesn't let my prayers go to voicemail. ❤️
— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) August 2, 2021
Sending much love your way, and hope you heal with ease. 💙💜💚
— Amy Siskind 🏳️🌈 (@Amy_Siskind) August 2, 2021
Sending out prayers and love Kathy!
— Jaime Harrison, DNC Chair (@harrisonjaime) August 2, 2021
Kathy!!! Sending you so much love & strength as you go thru treatment. You know that Maggie is up there pulling for you & telling everyone that it’s not your time. She might be saying it over a few glasses of wine, but she & your dad are watching over you. Sending love 🙏 ❤️ 🙏
— MΞGAN KΞLLΞY HALL (@MeganKelleyHall) August 2, 2021
OMG. Please keep us updated as you know we will all be worried. Praying all goes well with treatments with speedy return to full health. Still waiting for that Uncancelled World Tour!
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 2, 2021
Thank you for taking time, amidst your serious medical diagnosis, to encourage others to get medical exams. Your tweet is a measure of compassion and character. Praying for your health and spirit.
— Cornell William Brooks (@CornellWBrooks) August 2, 2021