Ryan O'Neal is suffering from prostate cancer.
The 70-year-old actor—who has previously battled leukemia—admits he was shocked to discover he had the disease but is expecting to make a full recovery as it was discovered early.
He said in a statement to People.com: ''Recently I was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. Although I was shocked and stunned by the news, I feel fortunate that it was detected early and according to my extraordinary team of doctors the prognosis is positive for a full recovery.''
Ryan—who lost his partner Farrah Fawcett to anal cancer in 2009—added he was grateful to his family for their support and urged people to go and get tested for the disease.
He said: ''I am deeply grateful for the support of my friends and family during this time, and I urge everyone to get regular check-ups, as early detection is the best defence against this horrible disease that has afflicted so many.''
Ryan was treated in the late 1990s for leukemia.
He is soon to release a memoir about his life with Farrah titled Both of Us, which is due for release in early May.