I have prostate cancer: Alan Jones

(AAP) - Broadcaster Alan Jones has prostate cancer but says he has no plans to give up radio.

"We don't do dying around here. We just try and make the most of living," Jones said after revealing his condition at Macquarie Radio's Sydney studios on Thursday.

The 67-year-old radio host was diagnosed with cancer in May but kept it secret until
this week.
He says he has good prospects of a full recovery following surgery in about two
weeks, and will remain on air until the eve of the operation at Sydney's St
Vincent's Hospital.
Describing the illness as an "interruption", Jones said he only expected to be off
air for a few weeks while he recuperated.
"Of course I will be returning to air, I've got to make a quid," he said.
"I've got to keep myself off struggle street."
Jones said he had confidence in his doctors and did not want to be "self-indulgent".
"The prospect of full recovery is very significant," he said.
"On the other hand, I'm smart enough to know you are dealing with cancer and that's
something that other people have had to deal with so I'm not the Lone Ranger there."
The influential radio host and former Wallabies rugby coach found out about his
illness after a biopsy in May, but only told friends, family and colleagues on
Tuesday because he did not want to cause concern.
Teary colleagues watched as Jones announced the news to a packed room at the studios
of Radio 2GB.
"I felt it was best that people don't know because people worry about these things
and the fewer people who are worrying the better," he said.
He said he was not scared, despite having never "really been sick in my life".
"I think we all think we're bulletproof."
Jones said he hopes his listeners will learn from his experience.
"I hope that in volunteering this information I might be able to encourage other
people to be much more sensible and less frightened about doing something about
themselves," he said.
"People are frightened of doctors. I'm not."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has wished broadcaster Alan Jones a speedy recovery in his
battle with prostate cancer.
"I wish Alan Jones all the best with his treatment for prostate cancer," Mr Rudd said.
"I hope Alan's surgery is a success and he has the quickest possible recovery."
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell was among the first to wish Jones well.
"I hope Alan is back on air fit and well shortly, ready to give all of us
politicians the rounds of the kitchen table as soon as possible," he said.
Prostate cancer survivor, federal Treasurer Wayne Swan, added his well wishes.
"Prostate cancer is something all men need to think about," he said.
"Many are not detected early. Early detection is the best detection always.
"All the best to Alan. He's got a good medical team, and all the best for a full
recovery."
Callers to 2GB radio on Thursday afternoon expressed shock and concern about the
health of the veteran broadcaster, offering advice and messages of support.
A former teacher and speech writer, Jones began his radio career in 1985 as a
morning radio host on rival Sydney station 2UE.
He controversially switched to 2GB in 2002, and has dominated breakfast radio for
the last few years.
His contract with Macquarie Radio is up for renewal early next year.