Eric Idle reveals battle with pancreatic cancer

msn.com:

Eric Idle has survived a battle with pancreatic cancer. In an essay for TIME published on Thursday, the Monty Python star revealed that he was diagnosed with the "lethal" form of the disease around three years ago.

However, as the tumour was spotted during a regular check-up, and was at an early stage, doctors were able to remove it in surgery. "It's odd to think that had he not called for that extra test I might have been walking around without knowing this time bomb was ticking away inside me," he wrote. "Just carried on with my year, making plans, looking good and healthy with this growing inside. "Idle has recovered from the surgery and the disease has not reoccurred.

In light of his experience, the British star is starting the Bright Side Fund at Stand Up To Cancer to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research.

He also wants to urge people to undergo screening tests if they are concerned about their health in any way. "I want to encourage people in families at high risk of pancreatic cancer to explore the newer tests available for detecting the disease early.