Terry Bradshaw Explains Why He Waited a Year to Go Public with Cancer Diagnosis

“I didn’t talk about it because I didn’t want pity,” Terry shared with TODAY. “I didn’t talk about it because a lot of celebrities – unfortunately, I’m one of those – when they say this, I think the perception around America with all the millions of people is, ‘Aw, look at him. Bless his heart. He has cancer. Well, my husband died of cancer! My kids are…’ I didn’t want that.”

Last month, Terry revealed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2021 and then diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer in March 2022. He’s thankfully cancer-free now.

As for why he waited nearly a year to go public with his cancer diagnosis, Terry told TODAY that it took him “a long time” before he told his family, let alone the rest of the world.

The only reason why he went public with his health battled was when fans saw him run out of breath during a broadcast of Fox NFL Sunday.

“I couldn’t breathe,” Terry recalled. “That’s when everybody notices. ‘What’s wrong with him?’’Social media went, ‘Get rid of him. He needs to be off the air. He’s an embarrassment.’ And I was like, ‘Embarrassment? I got cancer.’”

Terry later went on to say that he was never scared about having cancer.

“I don’t think cancer cares. Cancer shows no favoritism,” Terry said before adding that he was at peace whatever the outcome.

“Well, if I go, I’m OK. If I stay, I’m OK,” Terry said.