Dustin Hoffman, who will turn 85 next month, is set to appear on BBC One at 10:30 pm for a showing of the multi-award-winning film Rain Man.
Hoffman remains active in the film industry, with his latest appearance in the 2022 movie As They Made Us. However, just under a decade ago, the actor faced a significant health challenge when he battled cancer.
In 2013, Hoffman’s press officer, Jodi Gottlieb, announced that the actor had undergone treatment for throat cancer. Gottlieb confirmed that the treatment was successful, and Hoffman was “surgically cured.” This health scare came a few years after Hoffman’s co-star, Michael Douglas, battled tongue cancer.
Details about Hoffman’s cancer battle were scarce. Gottlieb stated, “It was detected early, and he has been surgically cured.” Throat cancer, a term not commonly used by UK health professionals, generally refers to cancer developing in the pharynx or the voice box.
The Mayo Clinic explains that cancer in the pharynx is called pharyngeal cancer, while cancer in the voice box is known as laryngeal cancer.
Treatment varies depending on the cancer’s stage. For instance, early-stage laryngeal cancer might require a partial laryngectomy to remove part of the voice box, as outlined by Cancer Research UK.
After his successful treatment, Hoffman was reported to be “feeling great and in good health.” He returned to work soon after, completing the comedy movie Chef, which starred Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr.
Additionally, Hoffman’s representative revealed that he would undergo preventative treatment to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the future.
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of cancer returning, and these are often targeted during preventative treatment. Hoffman’s resilience and commitment to his health have allowed him to continue his illustrious career, much to the delight of his fans.
