Monty Python Star Eric Idle Opens Up About Surviving Pancreatic Cancer After Early Detection

Eric Idle is opening up about life after being diagnosed, and surviving, pancreatic cancer.

The 79-year-old Monty Python star talked with People magazine about how early detection was a key in his survival from the disease.

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“About three years ago I was incredibly lucky: I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” Eric first revealed in an essay for Time magazine earlier this year. “One of the most lethal forms of cancer, how on earth was that lucky? Well, because it was found incredibly early…before it had gone anywhere.”

Eric‘s cancer was unintentionally found in 2019, and from a few tests from his physician, was diagnosed properly.

“My doctor specializes in preventative medicine, and he makes me go for blood tests every year,” he told the outlet. “He noticed a difference in the markers from the previous year, so he ordered an MRI and asked them to add contrast. That lit up the pancreas, and there it was.”

He underwent a “partly robotic” five-hour surgery: “I had a fantastic surgeon … and he cut it all out because it wasn’t attached to anything; it was intact. The technicians had never seen it in that state before because they’d never seen it that early. A lot of the research is studying early warning signs.”

Now, in speaking with People, Eric has now revealed that he has launched the Bright Side Fund with Stand Up To Cancer to support research and help promote early detection.

“I think we can make a difference,” he shared. “The good news is that we are starting to fight back…They’re doing great work. I think if we can just spread the word a little and try and raise some money, we can put it in the right direction.”

If you missed it, Eric was just recently on this popular show!