Rhod Gilbert admits his cancer diagnosis “mad” him, but insists he’s on the road to recovery

Rhod Gilbert has admitted his cancer diagnosis made him “angry” and reveals he had trouble “speaking or breathing” after finding a lump in his neck.

The 54-year-old comedian revealed that he had stage four cancer last year and was being treated at a center for which he had previously raised money by doing charity walks.

Although he did not initially specify where the disease was, Rhod has now revealed that he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer last year but insisted he is on the road to recovery.

He returned to screens for the first time since his diagnosis on Friday when he delivered an emotional speech during the National Comedy Awards, which was in aid of Stand Up 2 Cancer.

The Welsh star spoke candidly about his diagnosis and reflected on the moment he found a lump in his neck, which affected his ability to speak and breathe properly.

Speaking on the pre-recorded segment from his home, he said: ‘He couldn’t speak or breathe and he postponed and canceled tours, he had terrible spasms in his face and a lot of tension in his muscles.

“I couldn’t get to the bottom of this, after a biopsy of this lump in my neck, it turned out that I had something called head and neck cancer, head cancer, it sounded pretty serious.”

Rhod admitted that his stage four diagnosis made him “angry” and joked that he thought he would have “lifelong immunity” after spending 10 years as a patron of a cancer center.

He said: “I’ve led five fundraising walks around the world, do stand-up comedy nights to raise money, run contests…it’s been a big part of my life for the last 10 years, so imagine my surprise when I was diagnosed with cancer.

‘Which really pissed me off, because I thought I would have immunity for life! Apparently not.

“Apparently, you are just as likely to get cancer even if you spend your time fundraising for a cancer hospital. Anyway, I got it, and it turns out it can come for anyone.

Rhod also revealed that he “ironically” first found the lump on his neck while in Cuba on a walk to raise money for the charity Velindre Cancer Center, where he is now a patient.

He added: “The other irony is that I was in Cuba on a walk, raising funds for this cancer center when the first lump appeared on my neck. I literally left as a patron and came back as a patient.’

Rhod explained that he then underwent surgery, daily radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the Cardiff cancer centre, of which he is a sponsor.

“I had to have chemo sessions in a room with pictures of me walking in, smiling to myself like a boss,” he said with a laugh.

However, Rhod said he was feeling “very happy and very positive” and insisted he is on the road to recovery and hopes to lead a charity tour to Morocco soon.

He said: ‘My facial hair is coming back, my voice is coming back, my weight is coming back, my salivary glands are starting to come back. Basically, I’m going back. My fitness recovery goal is to lead the next fundraising trip to Morocco.

Although he admitted that he is still “a bit far” from his goal, he added: “I feel optimistic and, strangely, I feel very happy and very positive.”

After seeing his moving speech at the awards show, viewers were quick to take to Twitter to share their support for the beloved comedian.

One person wrote: ‘Great to see Rhod Gilbert on the mend and feeling well. He is a fantastic comedian and a lovely person and we are very lucky to have him.

Another said: “Rhod Gilbert, to everyone you’ve helped get through hard times by making them laugh, we send you prayers and love, we wish you a speedy recovery.”

A third commented: ‘It’s great to see Rhod Gilbert on our TV screens again. He was one of the first comedians I got into and I hope he continues to tell jokes and make us laugh for many years to come.

While a fourth tweeted: “Great to see Rhod Gilbert at the #nationalcomedyawards and to hear he’s on his way to recovery.”

And a fifth wrote: “Seeing Rhod Gilbert sound and look good is so good,” while another added: “All the love Rhod Gilbert.”

His return to television comes after Rhod had to postpone performances in January due to gallstones and recurring gallbladder infections.

He told fans in December: “I really can’t wait to get back on stage, but on the doctor’s advice, I’m going to have to wait a little longer.”

He continued: “I thank each and every one of you for your continued patience, rest assured the show WILL GO ON.”

Their concerts in Edinburgh will take place from the 21st to the 23rd and from the 25th to the 27th of August at the Gilded Balloon.

Last month, Rhod said that he will use his cancer diagnosis as supportive material and is optimistic for next year.

In his first interview since undergoing treatment, the Welshman revealed that he thinks about his cancer 24/7, but added that there is “humor in it.”

Speaking to The Guardian, Rhod began: “It feels weird. I don’t know how much to talk about cancer. I haven’t really figured out what to say.

‘I’m really mental health conscious now and check myself every day. I feel good, strangely. I am happy, optimistic and hopeful that next year everything will turn out well.’

He explained that despite losing his social life and job, he is committed to poking fun at serious topics on his upcoming tour, The Book Of John.

He said: ‘When I get over this, the next show will be similar. Cancer is on my mind 24/7, but when I’m well enough to write, I jot down a few things. And there’s humor there, definitely.