The original article was published on the E! Online website.
Ken McNickle talks about his terrifying battle for health.
Reality show participant «Survivor «", who finished runner-up on CBS's 33rd season in 2016, revealed he was diagnosed with cancer, explaining how he learned about it and the frightening symptoms he experienced beforehand.
«"That moment when you hear the words... it's cancer, and everything freezes," Ken wrote in an Instagram post on June 1, accompanied by photos from the hospital. "The doctor sounds like the teacher from Charlie Brown. You realize nothing but that one word is sinking in.".
Although the reality show star, the finalist of the project Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X In 2016, while he didn't reveal details about the type of cancer he was battling, he described the alarming symptoms that eventually led him to seek medical help.
«"I waited almost a year until my skin started tearing before going to the doctor," he explained in a follow-up video posted on June 3. "And if I had gone sooner, it would have been a simple procedure, not a three-inch hole in my chest.".
Ken said he "waited for almost three months, watching blood appear in his stool every morning, before going to the doctor.".
At that moment, he stated that it was «confirmed» that his «innards had been torn apart.».
He added: "I waited until this lump on my testicle grew to the size of the other two before going to the doctor.".
The 43-year-old man admitted that he regretted putting off visiting a doctor for so long and explained what might have contributed to his hesitation.
«I kept wondering why I’d been so damn stupid so many times,„ he said. “Then this morning it hit me. Memories from my childhood and adolescence came flooding back, saying, »Stop crying. Don’t be a baby. Don’t be a bitch. Stop being a coward. Just be a man.’ I think that had something to do with it.”.
After his diagnosis, the Colorado life coach says he was overwhelmed with "a flood of questions.".
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Ken said he "waited for almost three months, watching blood appear in his stool every morning, before going to the doctor.".
At that moment, he stated that it was «confirmed» that his «innards had been torn apart.».
He added: "I waited until this lump on my testicle grew to the size of the other two before going to the doctor.".
The 43-year-old man admitted that he regretted putting off visiting a doctor for so long and explained what might have contributed to his hesitation.
«I kept wondering why I’d been so damn stupid so many times,„ he said. “Then this morning it hit me. Memories from my childhood and adolescence came flooding back, saying, »Stop crying. Don’t be a baby. Don’t be a bitch. Stop being a coward. Just be a man.’ I think that had something to do with it.”.
After his diagnosis, the Colorado life coach says he was overwhelmed with "a flood of questions.".
Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images
«"Why now? What did I do to deserve this? Why didn't I come sooner? After everything else, now this?" Ken wrote in his June 1st post. "And then the feeling of defeat sets in, and the words 'screw it' start to creep in. The beginning of the process of giving in. And then I think about my daughter, my love, and the life we want, and that there is another option... to fight.".
«"Because there's always a choice," he added. "And I choose optimism, health, happiness, and the knowledge that my spirit supports me. And most importantly, I choose love.".
However, Ken believes his situation is an example of a larger problem that needs to be addressed.
«"There's an epidemic in men's health, and we're not paying enough attention to it," he wrote in the caption of his video. "We need to talk more about why men in 50% are less likely to see a doctor for physical ailments and men in 60% are less likely to get help for mental and emotional issues. Why do you think this is happening? What needs to change?"»
Read on to find out what else celebrities have shared about their experiences battling cancer…
Colin Egglesfield
Jerry Turner
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Former participant of the show «The Golden Bachelor» In December 2024, he announced that he had been diagnosed with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a bone cancer.
«"Unfortunately, there is no cure for this," Jerry noted in an interview at the time. People magazine . "So it weighs heavily on every decision I make. It was like 10 tons of concrete had been dumped on top of me. And for a while, I denied it, didn't want to admit it.".
Ariana Madix
«I had to have a small piece of cancer removed and a lymph node biopsy,» the star said. reality show «Vanderpump Rules» to his fans at the end of 2018. "(Everything is fine now!)"«
Christina Applegate
Star film "All Night Long" »" was recognized «"completely cured"» from breast cancer after treatment and double mastectomy.
Jim Beaver
An actor known for his roles in TV series "The Boys"« и «Supernatural» , On February 3, 2023, he announced that he had been battling prostate cancer for many years and was now healthy.
Marcia Cross
Star of the series «Desperate Housewives» In September 2018, she announced to fans that she had survived anal cancer. "After posting a photo of myself here and saying the words #cancer and #hairloss, I feel liberated, incredibly free, and completely myself," she shared on Instagram.
Dustin Hoffman
The two-time Oscar winner has successfully completed cancer treatment, and his representative confirmed to E! News that doctors have declared Hoffman "« cured surgically ».
Hugh Jackman
Star «X-Men» In 2014, he was treated for a third basal cell carcinoma, and after the third course of treatment, Jackman's representative told E! News , that he is okay now.
In April 2023, Hugh underwent two biopsies for an additional basal cell carcinoma. He then told fans, "I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that summer is approaching for those of us in the northern hemisphere. Please wear sunscreen.".
Camille Grammer
Gordon Ramsay
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Accompanying the post with a pair of photos showing a line of stitches running from the base of his ear to his jaw, which he later covered with a bandage, the British celebrity chef revealed that he had undergone surgery to treat skin cancer.
«"I'm so grateful to the incredible team at The Skin Associates for their prompt work removing my basal cell carcinoma," Gordon wrote on Instagram in August 2025. "Please remember to wear sunscreen this weekend.".
«"I assure you, this is not a facelift," he added. "They would demand a refund..."»
Cobie Smulders
Actress from the movie "« Avengers: Age of Ultron» I fought at 25 with ovarian cancer and, having overcome all difficulties, gave birth to two children from her husband Tarana Killama .
Dr. Drew Pinsky
The TV presenter said that in July 2013 he had surgery to remove prostate cancer , and since then he has been declared completely healthy.
Brooke Burke
Co-host of the show "« Dancing with the Stars» successfully underwent surgery to remove thyroid cancer . Mother of four children wrote on Twitter "Thank you for all your well wishes. I'm [at home] recovering and resting.".
Angie Everhart
«"My doctor called me Saturday morning and told me I'm cancer-free!!!!! #urathisfreakingkinhu," the actress wrote. on Twitter after receiving good news .
Michael C. Hall
Star of the series «Dexter» used the break in filming to defeat Hodgkin's lymphoma .
Michelle Monaghan
In October 2011, the Australian actress revealed that she removed a malignant mole on her calf after her husband advised her to see a doctor to have a suspicious spot checked.
Ewan McGregor