Al Roker revealed earlier this month to viewers that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
He also announced that he underwent surgery and would be taking some time off from the Today Show.
Al made his formal return to the show on Monday and gave an update on his development. He said, “Great medical care and the love of friends and family, it goes a long way. Actually, I was hoping I looked a little better.”
He underwent surgery earlier this month at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to have his prostate removed. The surgery also removed some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.
Al’s doctor, Dr. Vincent Laudone, gave an update following his surgery and said, “The prognosis at this point in time-based on how the surgery went and based on his pathology report, everything looks very favorable. We would say that Al has no evidence of any cancer, but we’ll continue to monitor him for several years.”
Al continued to say that he goes back for a blood test in January, and he’ll continue to undergo testing every six months for the next five years.
As we previously reported, Al said he made the decision to document his journey because he wanted other African American men to take their health seriously.
“The problem for African American men is that any number of reasons from genetics to access to health care, and so we want to make it available and let people know they got to get checked,” said Al.
