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Neighbour Star Ian Smith has expressed happiness over this Living Out a Terminal Cancer Diagnosis Its purpose was to kill him months ago.
Smith, who played Ramsey Street patriarch Harold Bishop from 1987 to 2022, was diagnosed with terminal pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive lung cancer, in 2024. Doctors at the time suggested that he was likely to die in March 2025.
In a new interview, the 87-year-old said he is celebrating the fact that he has reached Christmas.
“I was supposed to die in March, but I didn’t want to do that,” he told The Australian. The Morning Show“To be honest, I didn’t think I’d be here last Christmas, Now I’m here for this and I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t be here next Christmas!”
Smith has been undergoing immunotherapy treatment since his diagnosis, which has slowed the progression of his cancer, and he said he intends to spend the holiday season fishing.
Earlier this year, Smith said he had Withdrawal from voluntary dying planVoluntary assisted dying is legal in Australia for adults with terminal illnesses in certain circumstances, Smith decided not to proceed with the plan when his pharmacist called to arrange for him to have medications to keep at home for the day he decided to die,
“I said no,” Smith said. Guardian“I’m also very glad I did it, because there were times I would have taken it, I really would have taken it,”
Smith said he “wholeheartedly” approves of voluntary assisted death (or VAD) – he has seen his parents, birth mother and wife all die of cancer – but he does not agree with the drugs being kept in the home.
“For so many reasons – you could be robbed!” He said. “It’s as good as a loaded gun.”
talking to The Morning ShowSmith suggested that men visit doctors about any concerns or differences in their bodies.
“The answer to cancer is early detection,” he explained. “So guys, stop being so useless and afraid of what’s going to happen – go and see your doctor. It’s all about catching it early. Do it once and get it out of the way and then you’ll have the rest of your life to live.”
Smith left his role as a regular cast member. Neighbour in 2009, but continued to make occasional guest appearances. He made his last appearance as Harold in the 90-minute finale, broadcast in 2022, which also saw the return of several stars made famous by the series, including Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Guy Pearce. Unusually, the long-running serial was canceled after less than four months, only for a revival to be scrapped again this year.