Colin Egglesfield is encouraging others to be proactive about their health after being diagnosed with cancer for a third time.
“The important thing is not the circumstances you find yourself in, because those are beyond your control. What truly matters is how you handle those circumstances,” reflected Egglesfield, 51, referring back to a quote from an interview he gave at age 25 that continues to guide him to this day. Despite the challenges he has faced, particularly with his recent health diagnosis, Egglesfield remains steadfast in his belief in the power of personal choice and attitude.
Recalling his battle with prostate cancer detected early by doctors a year ago, Egglesfield expressed his gratitude for the care and support he has received during this difficult time. After extensive research and consultations with healthcare professionals, he made the proactive decision to undergo surgery, emphasizing the crucial role of advocacy in one’s health journey.
While weathering his most recent health battle, Egglesfield showed support for anyone going through a similar challenge.
Seeking to inspire others facing similar struggles, Egglesfield urged individuals to remember that they are not alone and emphasized the significance of self-advocacy, regular check-ups, and reaching out for assistance when needed. Expressing appreciation for the outpouring of support and well wishes he has received, Egglesfield affirmed his commitment to his recovery, acknowledging the progress made each day and his resilient spirit in overcoming obstacles.
Egglesfield concluded: “It all starts with a decision to commit to what you decide to be with whatever you’re facing. I decide to be RESILIENCE, FAITH, COURAGE, GRACE and INSPIRATION. … And fellas, be sure to get your PSA checked regularly. It saved my life!”
The actor was previously diagnosed with testicular cancer months after he started playing Josh Madden on All My Children in 2006. After receiving the news, Egglesfield found out that the cancer had spread to his other testicle despite going through surgery to remove it.
“After being diagnosed with it, it’s just a very scary experience because it’s all the fear of the unknown,” Egglesfield exclusively told Us Weekly in 2019 after opening up publicly about his health struggles. “I didn’t know what to expect, so reading about someone who had gone through [a] similar experience gave me the courage and the inspiration knowing that if he could do it and go on and survive and do what he did, it they gave me hope and inspiration that I could do the same thing.”
Egglesfield — who is also known for roles in Melrose Place, Something Borrowed and The Client List — credited his career for helping him face the tougher days.
“It really helped me get through my cancer experience because I just knew that I needed to become a different person. And one of the biggest pieces of advice I got was from my mom, when after I got diagnosed for the second time,” he recalled. “At that point I literally thought that it could be the end. I remember calling her up one day and I broke down and she was like, ‘Colin, you may not be able to deal with this. But you need to be a warrior. You need to put your armor on and you need to go to battle now.’ Once she gave me that context, it made me realize, you know what? I do, because otherwise this is too overwhelming and it could crush me. So that really helped.”
