Al Roker returned Monday to his role as co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, just over two weeks after announcing he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and planned to undergo surgery.
Roker, 66, had surgery Nov. 9 at New York City’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to remove his prostate, according to the “Today” show. He had announced his diagnosis Nov. 6.
“I feel good, I really do,” Roker said Monday. “Usually you’re dead when you get all of this love.”
"I feel good, I really do," says @AlRoker. We're checking-in with our good friend Al who is back in studio 1A after receiving surgery for prostate cancer just two weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/ZHdjJqyfDY
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 23, 2020
Roker said beginning in January he will get tested for prostate cancer every six months for the next five years.
>> Related: Al Roker recovering at home following prostate removal surgery to address cancer
“I’m a very blessed man,” Roker said.
Welcome back, @AlRoker! We're so glad to see Al back in Studio 1A and recovering well after having surgery for prostate cancer. pic.twitter.com/WZqJeErogc
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 23, 2020
Each year, more than 180,000 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the second-most common cancer among men in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 13 out of every 100 American men will get the cancer in their lifetimes, according to estimates from the CDC.
>> Related: Al Roker cancer: What are the symptoms of prostate cancer; the treatments?
The most common risk factor for prostate cancer is age. Black men are also more likely to get the cancer, according to the CDC.
Cox Media Group