Hoda Kotb Dedicates a Heartfelt Instagram to Al Roker After His Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Today show coanchor Al Roker has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The weatherman will be out for two weeks following surgery to remove his prostate.
On air and on Instagram, Al's friend and fellow Today star Hoda Kotb showed her support in a heartfelt way.
On Friday, Today show weatherman Al Roker announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 66-year-old NBC morning show cohost further revealed that he would need to take about two weeks off to undergo and recover from surgery to have his prostate removed. Al's diagnosis came about after a routine physical yielded an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in his bloodwork. After an MRI and a biopsy, they confirmed that he had prostate cancer.
"It's a good news-bad news kind of thing. Good news is we caught it early. Not great news is that it's a little aggressive," Al explained while on air with his costars Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly, Hoda Kotb, and Craig Melvin.
Al wanted to share his journey to call attention to prostate cancer, which affects one in nine American men and one in seven African American men, according to the American Cancer Society.
"The problem for African American men is that any number of reasons from genetics to access to health care, and so we want to make it available and let people know they got to get checked," Al said.
While on air, all of the cohosts rallied around Al, with Hoda in particular calling out Al's constant support over the years. "Somebody on this staff whoever's been through anything, one of your first calls you ever get is from this guy right here," Hoda said while pointing at Al. "So we're all here for you too, honey."
On Instagram, Hoda echoed her on-air message with a heartfelt post about her dear friend. "Our al. You never miss a milestone.. you've been there for all of our moments... good or painful.. Haley's arrival... my breast cancer diagnosis.... know this @alroker we will be here for you too.... you've got this ??," Hoda wrote alongside a photo of Al holding her eldest daughter, Haley Joy.
Online, fans tweeted out messages in support. "You will definitely be in my prayers @alroker. You are my favorite person on any news program, ever. Your positivity and humor is greatly appreciated. Please take care and we will wait for you to return," one fan said. "Al, you have literally an entire world of people wishing you well. Absorb all that positive energy and you will beat this!" another tweeted.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation urges African American men talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screenings at age 40. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing screenings with a healthcare provider at age 45 for African Americans and men who have had a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before 65. For more information, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation's website.
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