Why Colin Egglesfield Kept His Years-Long Cancer Battle a Secret

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Colin Egglesfield is looking back at a difficult chapter.

As the actor from Something Borrowed approaches the one-year mark of being cancer-free after his prostate cancer battle, he recently opened up about his health experiences, explaining why he had difficulty relying on family and friends when he was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2006.

When Colin received his diagnosis, he initially kept it to himself. “I didn’t want to worry or bother anyone,” he explained to Will Marfuggi of TopMob News. “I just kept it private until I couldn’t manage it alone anymore.”

Throughout everything, his family – his parents and siblings – have been a constant source of support. He says they’ve always been there for him.

The 52-year-old, a two-time testicular cancer survivor, wants to share some advice for anyone facing health challenges.

He explained that he wants to encourage people to openly acknowledge their feelings, saying it’s perfectly alright to admit you’re scared or need assistance. He emphasized that feeling terrified during difficult times is normal, and it’s crucial to connect with your support network for help.

What I’ve really taken away from this experience is a greater appreciation for my relationships and a desire to find more meaning in life, and share that with others. It’s helped me value those connections so much more.

The former All My Children actor, who had surgery to treat his prostate cancer after being diagnosed in 2024, stressed how crucial it is to seek treatment promptly.

He was lucky his testicular cancer was caught early, meaning he didn’t need radiation or chemotherapy. He explained that he’d previously battled the disease in 2006 and unfortunately waited too long to seek treatment, which allowed it to spread. He was determined to avoid that situation this time around.

He remembered that after the surgery, tests showed the cancer had spread, requiring radiation treatment. He added that he really didn’t want to deal with any more treatment after that.

Deciding to have his prostate removed was tough, but he’s glad he went through with it.

He said the recovery has been challenging, involving relearning basic functions like using the bathroom and regaining sexual health. However, he’s incredibly thankful to be past the worst of it and optimistic about the future.

Colin has discovered his passion helping others through motivational speaking and coaching. He draws on his own life story to empower people to reach their full potential.

Colin, who also leads a four-day retreat called Inspire Rejuvenation, explained his core message: appreciate the present moment, because tomorrow isn’t promised. He believes many people are taught to seek happiness from external sources instead of looking within themselves.

He explained that this experience taught him the importance of slowing down, reflecting on himself, and practicing gratitude. He also realized he needs to face challenges head-on and take action to find happiness and fulfillment in his life.

For more celebs who’ve detailed their cancer journeys, keep reading.

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, marking his third time battling the disease.

Even after receiving difficult news, he happily shared in February 2025 – for the third time – that his cancer was gone thanks to successful surgery and treatment.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficulties don’t define who they are. He wrote that everyone is capable of more than their struggles. He personally shared that while he experiences fear, anxiety, and carries scars, he accepts them all, believing that acknowledging and owning these challenges is the key to overcoming them.

In December 2024, the star of The Golden Bachelor announced he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s no cure for the condition, and it deeply affects every choice he makes. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned about it, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially struggled to accept it.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now cancer-free after years of battling the disease.

I was so shocked to learn at the end of 2018 that I needed to have some cancerous tissue removed, and they also did biopsies on my lymph nodes. Thankfully, everything is okay now – I got the all-clear!

In September 2018, the actress known for Desperate Housewives publicly shared that she had overcome anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that revealing her diagnosis—and a picture showing the effects of treatment like hair loss—made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentically herself.

Philip Seymour Hoffman, a two-time Oscar winner, successfully completed cancer treatment. His representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors have declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, was treated for skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) for the third time in 2014. His representative later confirmed to TopMob News that he has fully recovered.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinoma. He used the opportunity to remind his fans in the northern hemisphere to protect their skin with sunscreen as summer approached.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The celebrity chef from Britain revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure. He shared photos showing stitches – a line running from below his ear to his jaw – which he later covered with a bandage.

I was so relieved to have a fantastic team at The Skin Associates quickly take care of a basal cell carcinoma I recently had. It really highlighted for me how important skin health is, and I wanted to share a quick reminder: please, please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend! Protecting your skin is key, and I’m so grateful for the excellent care I received.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron fought ovarian cancer at 25 and later had two children with her husband, Taran Killam, despite the challenges.

A television personality has shared that he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this, but my absolute FAVORITE Dancing with the Stars cohost just had surgery for thyroid cancer! But the best news? It was successful! I was so worried, but she’s already home and resting, and she even tweeted to thank everyone for their sweet messages! Seriously, she’s the strongest person ever, and I’m just so relieved she’s okay. I’ve been sending all my positive vibes her way, and it looks like they worked!

The actress shared some incredible news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she was cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, ‘#wootothemotherfkinhoo!’

The actress from Up All Night is now cancer-free after completing treatment, which included a double mastectomy. Doctors confirmed there is no evidence of the disease remaining.

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that she had a cancerous mole removed from her calf. She said her husband had encouraged her to get the mark checked by a doctor because it looked suspicious.

The man from Scotland is doing well and enjoying his hobby of trainspotting again after successfully having a cancerous mole removed from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the experienced CNN journalist likely protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The popular actress, known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She bravely used this experience to highlight how important regular check-ups are, and fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was given a clean bill of health the next year.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in roughly 400 films since then.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

After overcoming testicular cancer diagnosed in stage four, the cyclist remarkably went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist became a passionate advocate for others.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, turned her experience with breast cancer into a funny and relatable show called God Said Ha!, which became a Broadway hit.

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2026-01-22 19:51