ABC radio host James Valentine has shared second shock cancer diagnosis

Sydney ABC radio host James Valentine has revealed a sad health update, months after he had a tumour removed.

Beloved ABC radio host James Valentine has revealed a second cancer diagnosis months after having a tumour removed.

Valentine announced he had oesophageal cancer, and was going off the air to have surgery in March last year.

He returned to work in September, while he was being monitored by doctors for future outbreaks.

On Friday, he revealed the wretched news to his audience that another tumour had been discovered.

“My current scans and a biopsy have confirmed that I have tumours in my omentum. Yes, omentum, I’d never heard of it either,” he said.

ABC radio host James Valentine announced he has omentum cancer months after having a tumour removed from his oesophagus. Picture: John Appleyard

“It’s described usually as a fatty veil, which extends from the stomach over your intestine. Quite what it does, not sure; partly packaging, partly helping to protect the intestine, possibly some role in dealing with infection.

“Whatever it’s meant to do it is currently largely squeezing my bowel and causing constriction and constipation and general discomfort in that part of the world.

“Oh, it’s been a fun few weeks, my friends. I am now way too familiar with the ‘digestive’ aisle of my local chemist.”

Valentine begins immunotherapy and chemotherapy next week and will take three months off from radio and saxophone duties while he heals and recovers from the treatment.

“Immunotherapy is the great hope of everyone these days. I’m eligible, as in it’s considered that it’s very likely to be effective in my case,” he said.

“Side effects of the treatment range from mildly irritating to horrendous, so I think I’ll just deal with them. Best I focus on this one thing, and give the medicine and the process its best chance.”

ABC radio host James Valentine will take time off from the air while he undergoes immunotherapy and chemotherapy to treat cancer. picture ABC

Doctors told him before he underwent surgery there was a likelihood the cancer would return.

He said he was focused firmly on the present and what needed be done through the course of the treatment to “fix this.”

“That’s me for the next few months. Treatment, deal with the treatment, rest, build strength for next treatment. In between, be with the people I love,” he said.

“I’m already missing you, I’m already wanting to get back on air.

“I don’t pray, but if you do, please go hard. I can feel your good wishes, love and support and I thank you deeply for it.

“When I know anything about what’s happening, I’ll let you know but right now I’m off to the land of the sick. When I get back, you’ll hear from me.”

Originally published as ABC radio host James Valentine has shared second shock cancer diagnosis