Comedian Kathy Griffin reveals lung cancer diagnosis, says ‘I’ve never smoked’

Comedian and actor Kathy Griffin took to social media on Monday to reveal that she has lung cancer and that she will be undergoing surgery to have part of her lung removed.

“I’ve got to tell you guys something. I have cancer. I’m about to go into surgery to have half of my left lung removed. Yes, I have lung cancer even though I’ve never smoked!” the 60-year-old wrote on Monday. 

The Emmy Award-winner went on to say that it is Stage 1 and contained to her left lung. 

“Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing. I should be up and running around as usual in a month or less. It’s been a helluva 4 years, trying to get back to work, making you guys laugh and entertaining you, but I’m gonna be just fine,” she added.

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Griffin also said her condition could have been more serious had she not been “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19.

“Of course I am fully vaccinated for COVID. The consequences for being unvaccinated would have been even more serious. Please stay up to date on your medical check ups. It’ll save your life,” she wrote. 

Following the announcement, several of her friends and colleagues took to the comments section to show their support. 

“Love you so much!!! I’m here if you need anything. Don’t hesitate,” TV personality Ross Matthews commented.

“Sending you lots of love Kathy,” actor Caroline Rhea commented. 

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In 2017, Griffin had shaved her head bald in solidarity with her sister who was undergoing chemotherapy. 

“In solidarity with her sister, who is going through chemo, @kathygriffin shaved her head,” she had tweeted. “Donate to @AmericanCancer.”

In 2014, she lost her brother Gary to cancer.

“Our last real conversation, w my brother I loved so much, was just a few days go when I got him this signed picture from his idol, @JoeWalsh. He loved the Eagles, 70s rock, The Chicago White Sox and the Xavier “muskies”… Oh & he was funny,” she had written on Instagram while paying tribute to her brother.