Travel host Rick Steves reveals prostate cancer diagnosis

Rick Steves has announced that he has prostate cancer and will undergo treatment in the fall.

The travel show personality, who has hosted Rick Steves’ Europe since 2000, disclosed his diagnosis Wednesday on social media. “My doctor assures me that, if you’re going to get cancer, this is a good kind to get, and careful scans show no sign of it having spread,” Steves wrote. “There is a clear path forward to getting healthy, and this fall, I’ll be in the hospital for a few days having prostate surgery.”

Steves, 69, went on to assure fans that he’ll keep filming shows in France in late August and early September — and assuming he recovers quickly, he hopes to “be cancer-free and back at it by the end of October.”

This medical experience will be a first for Steves, who said he’s never stayed in a hospital overnight. “While the statistics tell me I should be just fine, I’ve been fortunate to have never spent a night in a hospital — and I find myself going into this adventure almost like it’s some amazing, really important trip,” he wrote. “I feel good about my positive attitude — and I expect to take home some delightful, if intangible, souvenirs like: appreciating and seeing a vibrancy in the little things; appreciating the goodness in people and the treasure of friends and family; being wowed by modern medicine and the army of amazing, smart, and dedicated people that make it possible; appreciating what a blessing life, health, and this world to enjoy is; and — just in general — being more thankful.”

Steves also said he has “great trust” in his doctor, and added, “I have lots more to be thankful for…including the support of friends and loved ones and a strong faith that I’m in good hands.”

The TV host and guidebook author remained optimistic in his final remarks, concluding, “I’m looking forward to many more years of happy travels, exciting collaborations, and beautiful friendships. Thank you for your love and support (and any ‘travel tips’ you may have for me as I set off on this journey).”