Rhod Gilbert's Story | Head and Neck Cancer | Stand Up To Cancer

“I literally left as a patron and returned as a patient.” When comedian Rhod Gilbert was in Cuba on a fundraising trek for Velindre Cancer Centre, he noticed a lump appear on his neck. He was later diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Rhod shared his story with the nation for the National Comedy Awards for Stand Up To Cancer on Friday 17 February. Watch below as he shares his experience of cancer, and the progress he’s made.


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[rachaelpate]

I had stage 4 cancer at 15. Thanks to research & fund raising I’ve been cancer free for 38 years. Thank you for all you’ve done for cancer research! I’m so sorry you have it now. Prayers sent up!

[wonderwoman]

Rhod still makes us laugh even when talking about what must have been â physically and mentally gruelling time. Here’s to Rhod getting back to full recovery 🍺 x

[RealSalica]

I didn't know . I'm glad you had good care Rhod . My husband was diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4 (no he never smoked ) , that was 9 years ago ...at the time they were giving him 6-9 months to live . But with the new treatments, he is still here with a pretty good quality of life (No bottle of Oxygen needed) ....So yes, science are doing an amazing job and if you have someone you know with cancer, please try to help research for cancer, because it could be you needed them sooner than you think .

[jasman]

My lovely neighbour, the nicest couple there is, he and sian ❤

[sergec.]

About 5 years ago I was in South Korea for a long stay. Not knowing the language I spent much time on YouTube.
This was where and when I discovered Rod Gilbert. I immediately fell in love with his comedy and stage energy. I just
now discovered this news.
Mr. Gilbert...I will pray for your recovery and for your trip to Moracco.
Thank you Mr. Gilbert, for being you.

[Greybeard]

I know this video is a month old but I felt I must leave a comment. Velindre Cancer Centre, as it is now, was also my "alma mater". In 1982, a persistent cough turned out to be a Thymoma. After a failed operation, I was "passed" to Velindre. Chemo and radiotherapy was pretty brutal, in those days, but the consultants, therapists and nursing staff were all brilliant and got me through it. I've been in remission (I never say cured) for 40 years, now, living a normal life. I can assure you that any donation is going to a very good cause.

[kenaustinardenol]

Rhod, big Dutch fan here, wish you all the best and very happy to hear you are recovering well. Hope it stays that way.

[LordZedd]

I remember the first time I saw Rhod GIlbert on television. He was doing a routine on coming to Ireland on holiday and losing his suitcase with just the pull handle being left. My dad was watching too and I never saw him laugh so hard. He was crying with laughter. I was laughing hard too. All the best Rhod.

[jackylennon]

I myself am a head and neck cancer survivor coming up to my seven year anniversary of tumour removal by surgery ( Maxillectomy) and leading a normal life and wishing you well ❤x

[chriswalford]

You may not be able to take the cancer out of the comedian, but he took the comedy (piss) out of the cancer. Best wishes Rhod for a full recovery.

[SB-dvih]

Valindre saved my dads life along with thousands of others.
Get well soon Rhod

[caglmdpoof]

❤ you in America Rhod! Bless you, Sian, your loved ones & your caregivers.

[ivanajuraga]

Missed you Rhod. So glad to hear things are looking up. And thank you for continuing to fundraise!

[bryter]

Awesome, awesome, awesome. It’s so great seeing Rhod again.

[christopherabbott]

I can relate to this, two years ago I too had a lump come up on my neck which turned out to be cancerous. Two operations plus chemotherapy/radiotherapy plus a PEG Tube in my stomach later I am still here to tell the tale, this is all thanks to the medical team consisting of Consultants, Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians and not forgetting the amazing MacMillan Nurses. I still meet up with the Consultants on a regular basis and every so often MacMillan arrange an evening at their centre at our local hospital where you meet up with other patients who have all suffered with some sort of Head and Neck Cancer. Thank you all and thank you NHS

[zeldads]

Was so sad when I heard the news and beyond pleased he's beating it

[nagosnell]

I'm a Yank and Rhod is little known in the states but I hope this changes. I discovered 8 Out of 10 Cats, somehow, on YouTube, then found him and have followed him on Taskmaster and everything else since then. He seems like such a great guy. I think I learned of his cancer around the same time I found out what happened to Sean Locke (it wouldn't have been known in the U.S.) and it just stabbed me. I hope Rhods doing well and he has a big fan here.

[nuagefoaminc]

Speedy recovery Rhod. I am a huge fan and wish you many more years of a good healthy life.

[katieprandle]

Glad to see you looking so well. You have been incredibly brave.

[Maerahn]

What an amazing guy. Went through absolute hell after doing so much for such a great cause, but is still able to find the comedy in his situation. Props to you, Rhod Gilbert, and so glad you're on the mend now.