ABC News correspondent Will Reeve announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with testicular cancer and will undergo surgery to remove a testicle later this week.
Reeve, 34, shared the diagnosis on "Good Morning America," telling viewers he received the news after a routine physical exam. He said doctors caught the cancer early and his prognosis is good.
"I'm going to be fine," Reeve said on air. "I have a great team of doctors, and we caught this early."
Reeve, the son of actor Christopher Reeve and journalist Dana Reeve, has worked as a correspondent for ABC News since 2018. He regularly contributes to "Good Morning America," "World News Tonight" and "Nightline."
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the American Cancer Society. About 9,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate is above 95 percent when the disease is caught before it spreads.
Reeve said he decided to share his diagnosis publicly to encourage other young men to perform regular self-exams and see a doctor if they notice anything unusual. He said he nearly skipped the appointment that led to his diagnosis.
"I almost didn't go," Reeve said. "I'm glad I did."
Reeve's father, Christopher Reeve, was paralyzed in a 1995 horseback riding accident and became a leading advocate for spinal cord injury research before his death in 2004. His mother, Dana Reeve, died of lung cancer in 2006.
Reeve has continued his parents' advocacy work through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which funds research into spinal cord injuries. He also serves on the foundation's board.
Reeve said he expects to return to work after a short recovery period. ABC News said in a statement that it supports Reeve and looks forward to his return.
He is the second ABC News personality in recent months to disclose a cancer diagnosis. In August, "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts marked her 10th year of being cancer-free after battling breast cancer and a rare blood disorder.
Reeve told viewers he plans to document his recovery on social media. He said the experience has reminded him not to take his health for granted.
"Check yourself," he said. "Don't wait."
