Rod Stewart Opens Up About Overcoming Cancer and Voice Loss

Rod Stewart is a name that has resonated with music lovers for over five decades. Known for his iconic voice, he has delivered some of the most memorable songs in rock history. But his journey hasn’t been without challenges. After overcoming two significant health hurdles, Stewart is back on tour, sharing his new album The Tears of Hercules alongside his timeless classics.

Stewart’s return to music comes after a tough battle with thyroid cancer and the temporary loss of his voice. His story is one of resilience, hope, and perseverance. Here’s a closer look at his health journey and how it shaped his return to music.

Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer

Rod Stewart’s health scare began when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. For a man who had spent decades in the limelight, the news was a stark reminder of life’s uncertainties. During an interview on ITV’s Loose Women, Stewart shared details of his diagnosis and treatment. While the experience was terrifying, he noted that his cancer was detected early and quickly treated.

“I was diagnosed with a little thyroid cancer,” Stewart explained. “It vanished in just five minutes thanks to a swift and painless operation.” While the procedure was over quickly, Stewart emphasized that the experience was not without consequences. “I don’t want to mislead anyone into thinking I had a prolonged battle with cancer,” he clarified. “It was relatively easy to remove, but the trade-off was losing my voice.”

Rod Stewart. CREDIT: Samir Hussein / Getty

Losing His Voice

The loss of Stewart’s voice was a devastating blow. As a musician, his voice is his instrument, and to be unable to sing was a deep personal loss. “It was a dreadful time because I couldn’t utter a single note,” Stewart recalled. The surgery had affected his vocal cords, rendering him voiceless for a period.

The procedure involved working around his throat, which disrupted the delicate balance needed to produce sound. “They go right through your throat, moving everything around,” Stewart said, explaining how the surgery impacted his ability to sing.

A Long Road to Recovery

Despite the setback, Stewart didn’t give up. He dedicated himself to the process of recovery. “I spent a tremendous amount of time working on it,” he shared. With patience and determination, Stewart gradually regained his ability to sing. It wasn’t easy, but his passion for music kept him motivated. In a lighthearted reference to his famous song “Maggie May,” Stewart explained that it took six months of hard work to restore his voice.

It was a challenging period for Stewart. “I just had to keep believing that I could get it back,” he said. His commitment to recovery was unwavering, and over time, his efforts paid off. He returned to the stage, sharing his music with the world once more.

Reflecting on His Health Journey

In an interview with USA Today, Stewart reflected on his health journey, expressing gratitude for his recovery. “Physically, I’m in excellent health now,” he said. “Anyone who’s faced something potentially life-threatening will tell you it puts everything into perspective.” His experience with cancer made him appreciate life in new ways.

Stewart’s memoir also reveals a more vulnerable side of the rock star. He admitted feeling “afraid and vulnerable” in ways he had never before. The experience of fighting cancer changed him, not only physically but emotionally.

A Second Health Challenge: Prostate Cancer

Just a few years later, Stewart faced a second health challenge: prostate cancer. In 2019, he revealed that he had been treated for prostate cancer. However, unlike his thyroid cancer, this diagnosis came with an added urgency. “Two years ago, I was told I had prostate cancer,” he shared at a charity event. The diagnosis was serious, but once again, Stewart was fortunate enough to catch it early.

“I’m now completely free and clear,” he said, celebrating his recovery. He emphasized the importance of early detection, urging others to get checked. “Guys, it’s essential to get checked… a little discomfort can be lifesaving,” he added. Stewart’s story serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize one’s health.

The Power of Resilience

Rod Stewart’s health journey is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Despite facing two major health battles, he has returned to the stage stronger than ever. His story shows that no matter the obstacle, with determination, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest challenges.

Stewart’s return to music has been an inspiration to fans worldwide. His willingness to share his struggles and triumphs has made his story even more meaningful. As he continues to tour and create new music, Stewart’s message is clear: no matter what life throws at you, never give up.