General Hospital star John York, 65, shares an emotional update about his health after undergoing aggressive treatment for TWO cancers: ‘One day at a time’

General Hospital star John J. York will make an exciting return to the big screen this week after undergoing aggressive treatment for multiple forms of cancer.

York, who plays Malcolm ‘Mac’ Scorpio on the long-running series, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and smoldering multiple myeloma in December 2022.

Both types of cancer affect both the blood and bone marrow and require treatment with blood stem cell transplants.

York, 65, was emotional as he talked about his journey, especially the months he spent waiting for a bone marrow match — and his recent return to work.

“Everyone was very welcoming and supportive,” he told Zohreen Shah on Good Morning America.

York, who plays Malcolm ‘Mac’ Scorpio on General Hospital, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and smoldering multiple myeloma in December 2022

According to his doctors, the soap star would have had “three to five years” if he had not sought treatment but opted for the most aggressive cancer treatment.

After months of waiting, a bone marrow donor was found in November 2023, a moment that left York overwhelmed with emotion.

“I couldn’t talk,” he tearfully recalled.

He underwent a blood stem cell transplant and chemotherapy, but still managed to evade his treatments during this time.

“I had seven days of chemo in Tennessee,” the veteran actor explained. “And then I was available to work in California for two or three weeks.”

“My philosophy has always been one day at a time [and] let’s just get through today,” he continued.

York also had the support of his wife Vicki Manners and daughter Schyler, with his son-in-law and grandson even shaving their heads in solidarity with his treatment.

After months of waiting, a donor was found in November 2023

York also received the support of his wife Vicki Manners (photo in 1991)

He also had the support of his daughter Schyler, with his son-in-law and grandson even shaving their heads in solidarity with his treatment (pictured)

He also thanked the public for their support and admitted that going public helped, including inspiring people to join the bone marrow registry.

‘I announced it and it helped. And so many people have joined the registry just to help save someone’s life,” the soap star said emotionally.

York, who has also suffered from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease since he was 17, said his cancer was contracted during periodic checkups for pre-existing conditions, during which his doctor took a closer look at a spot that just wouldn’t heal.

After his diagnosis, he received mild chemotherapy in pill form.

In October 2022, his hematologist – a doctor specializing in blood disorders – suggested a bone marrow biopsy.

He first revealed his diagnoses on social media late last year, posting a video with the caption: “Hey there, everyone. It’s me and I’m checking in.

York, who played Mac on the ABC soap for 32 years, was happy to be back at work

York, who started filming again a few weeks ago, said he was always in close contact with his cast mates

“I know what you’re thinking – you’re thinking, ‘Why did Mac shave his beard?'” he said.

‘I haven’t shaved my beard. I actually shaved off the little hairs that were still there.’

According to York, who has played Mac on the show for 32 years, thanks to the support of his family and castmates, he doesn’t feel like he’s been away at all – even though his character hasn’t been on the show since. November 2023.

“I felt so attached that I didn’t feel like I missed anything,” he said. ‘I feel like I just had a little break, a little vacation I guess, [and] now we are on the other side.”

York added that he would one day like to meet his 20-year-old bone marrow donor who saved his life.