Rick Steves Announces Cancer Diagnosis But Has No Plans To Stop Traveling

Renowned travel expert, author, and television personality Rick Steves has long been a trusted guide for millions of travelers seeking to explore Europe and beyond. On Wednesday, August 21, Steves made a surprising and personal announcement: He had been diagnosed with cancer. Steves revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in a heartfelt public statement posted on his X account (formerly known as Twitter), acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead while expressing his determination to remain active and engaged in the travel community. Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, the beloved travel guru made it clear that he has no plans to stop doing what he loves most — traveling the world.

I'd like to take a moment to share some important news. I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. My doctor assures me that, if you're going to get cancer, this is a good kind to get, and careful scans show no sign of it having spread. There is a clear path forward to getting... pic.twitter.com/1HpZFQrCwI

— Rick Steves (@RickSteves) August 22, 2024

"I'm looking forward to many more years of happy travels, exciting collaborations, and beautiful friendships," writes Steves. "Thank you for your love and support (and any 'travel tips' you may have for me as I set off on this journey)." Prostate cancer is a relatively common type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. Rick Steves is 69; most cases occur in men 65 and older. However, it seems like Steves' case was detected in the early stages. "My doctor assures me that, if you're going to get cancer, this is a good kind to get, and careful scans show no sign of it having spread," he said in his post, "statistics tell me I should be just fine."

Rick Steves is maintaining a positive attitude and profound gratitude despite the illness. "I've been fortunate to have never spent a night in a hospital — and I find myself going into this adventure almost like it's some amazing, really important trip," he writes. He reassures his audience that he has no plans to slow down his work, with several projects currently in the pipeline. Currently, he is filming two new TV shows in France over the next three weeks — under his doctor's approval.

However, in mid-September, he will be returning back home to Edmonds, Washington (near Seattle), after completing the filming. In late September, he is due for surgery and treatment at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, after which he is planning to rest for about a month. "God willing — [I'll] be cancer-free and back at it by the end of October," he says. "I have great trust in my doctor and in Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. And I have lots more to be thankful for ... including the support of friends and loved ones and a strong faith that I'm in good hands."

Survival rates and treatments for prostate cancer have never been better than they are now. The five-year relative survival rate of prostate cancer is over 90% (according to the American Cancer Society), and with early detection and timely, quality treatment, many patients are able to recover completely. Rick Steves concluded his announcement by assuring his followers — in P.S. — that he would keep everyone posted.