John Farnham has part of his jaw removed in 12-hour surgery amid mouth cancer battle
Singer John Farnham, 73, had part of his jaw removed while undergoing a 12-hour mouth cancer surgery and is now said to be in a ‘stable condition’ as he recovers in ICU
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John Farnham recovering from mouth cancer surgery
John Farnham is now in a “stable condition” after having part of his jaw removed while undergoing treatment for mouth cancer.
The 73-year-old singer underwent a mammoth 12-hour operation on Tuesday (August 23) after recently discovering a growth which turned out to be cancerous.
In a statement, John’s family said: “John has been through an eleven-and-a-half-hour surgery in Melbourne yesterday and is now in a stable condition in ICU. The cancer tumour was located in his mouth, and it has been successfully removed.”
They added: “There is still a long road of recovery and healing ahead of us, but we know John is up for that task.
“We are in awe of the incredible teams of healthcare professionals who have guided us through this very challenging time with such compassion.
John underwent a near 12-hour surgery
Image:
( Getty Images)
“To all the surgeons, doctors, nurses and consultants – thank you one and all so very much.”
The Australian star has been married to Jillian Billman since 1973 and shares two sons with her — Rob and James.
Following the announcement, entertainment reporter Peter Ford said John had to undergo two separate surgeries following his cancer diagnosis.
Speaking on The Morning Show, Peter said: “The first was the removal of the tumour from his mouth. After that was completed, the reconstructive team came in to take over and there was reconstructive surgery because part of John’s jaw had to be removed as part of tackling this.”
John has collaborated with a range of artists including Brian May
Image:
( Getty Images)
The cause of John’s cancer is unclear, but it comes just three years after he gave up smoking.
Peter previously said John was given a “wake up call” by one of his sons, who told him to “stop smoking dad, I don’t want you to die”.
Discussing his health troubles in 2019, John said he was better off not smoking.
“I haven’t had a smoke for a few months which I’m happy about and that’s made me feel better. I’m still having a love affair with the occasional glass of red wine,” he told the Herald Sun.
John added: “Stupid habit. It was a little easier to quit from cigars, but I’m better off not smoking, I’m a bloody singer for God’s sake.
“I’m using my lungs. I’ve already noticed the change. I’ve increased my range, I’ve got a bit more to give.”
Prior to his surgery, John noted that “so many people” have gone through the same ordeal and said he is grateful for Australian healthcare.
In a statement, he said; “Cancer diagnosis is something that so many people face every single day, and countless others have walked this path before me.
“The one thing I know for sure is that we have the very best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria, and we can all be grateful for that. I know I am.”
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