A ROCK star has revealed he’s ‘not afraid to die’ amid a cancer battle – splashing cash after the diagnosis.
Northern Irish musician Vivian Campbell has been guitarist for Def Leppard since 1992.
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The 63-year-old star was first diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma back in 2013.
According to the NHS, this uncommon cancer affects the the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
It sees affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making those impacted more vulnerable to infection.
In a new interview with the Fueled With Chris Cyr podcast, Vivian revealed his outlook following the diagnosis.
He shared: “I can tell you it made me spend more money. ‘Cause, as Jerry Seinfeld said, ‘You can’t drive money.’
“So as soon as I got — not as soon as, but within a year of having my cancer diagnosis, I went and bought a very expensive Porsche.
“And I remember thinking, ‘Oh, that’s a lot of money. It’s a lot of money.’ And I [thought], ‘I could be dead next week.’
“Well, actually, there is a saying in Ireland: ‘You’re a long time dead.’ So I sort of take it to heart. I’m a little bit reckless in that way. “
He added: “And as I see it, you can go one of two routes — you can capitulate to it or you can just live your life.
“And I decided to do the latter.”
Def Leppard previously issued an update about Vivian, after he sat out their tour due to illness.
Vivian had undergone a bone marrow transplant.
The band played a show in Leon, Mexico – with John Zocco filling in for the absent guitatist.
Speaking in a video, frontman Joe Elliott said: “It’s a kind of a one-off gig and we’re doing it a man down as Vivian is not here.
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or your risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
“If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ,” the NHS says.
“Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.”
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 50 to 74, with at-home kits automatically sent out every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Source: NHS
“Vivian is recuperating from cancer surgery and he’s doing very well, but he’s in a bubble he’s not allowed to travel.
“So John Zocco – basically Phil [Collen’s] guitar tech – has manfully stepped up to the plate because he’s a phenomenal player himself and he can sing a bit as well.
“So, rather get some stranger in that we don’t know, he’s doing it, which is fantastic.
“We have every confidence that it will go swimmingly until our boy Vivian is back on the stage with us.”
