Ryan O’Neal, longtime love interest of the late Farrah Fawcett and father of her child, Redmond O’Neal, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The actor successfully battled leukemia in the 1990s, but unfortunately he now has a new form of cancer to fight.

According to a report from People.com, O’Neal’s prostate cancer is stage 4 - and while that indicates an advanced form of the disease, he credits early detection for his promising outlook.

“Although I was shocked and stunned by the news, I feel fortunate that it was detected early, and according to my extraordinary team of doctors, the prognosis is positive for a full recovery,” O’Neal said in a recent press release.

Best known for his role in Love Story, O’Neal lost Farrah Fawcett just three years ago to anal cancer. He has a memoir coming out about his life with her on May 1st. The title will be Both of Us.

Hopefully O’Neal will receive prompt and excellent treatment for his prostate cancer, and wind up surviving this battle the way he won his first fight with cancer. The 70-year-old is urging all men to get a prostate examination.

“I urge everyone to get regular check-ups, as early detection is the best defense against this horrible disease that has afflicted so many,” he says.

Prayers are no doubt going out for Ryan O’Neal from fans around the world.

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celebs.gather.com