Saved by the Bell's Dustin Diamond diagnosed with cancer after 'ignoring lump'
Dustin Diamond has been diagnosed with stage four cancer after being hospitalised earlier in the week.
The 44-year-old actor, who made his name playing Screech in popular 90s show Saved by the Bell, was reportedly ‘scared to get a lump on his neck checked out’.
He was admitted to hospital after complaining of pains across his body and now his worst fears have been confirmed with a cancer diagnosis.
Dustin’s Facebook page confirmed the news in a statement for his fans.
It read: “At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made.
“We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time. All positivity and prayers are appreciated.”
(Image: Getty)
Dustin is in hospital in Florida, where he was originally admitted on Tuesday to undergo tests, and his team have asked fans to send messages that they can pass on to the actor.
A rep for Dustin told the Today show on Thursday that “it’s serious, but we don’t know how serious yet.”
They added on the show: “He’s going for testing. He hasn’t been feeling well. He’s at an undisclosed hospital in Florida. We are hoping for a speedy recovery.”
TMZ has reported that Dustin is already undergoing his first round of chemotherapy to combat the cancer.
(Image: Rex)
Dustin’s close friend Dan Block has told The Sun that he had a “huge lump” on his neck but the actor had put off getting it checked.
Dan said: “Dustin has cancer – we don’t know what type or how advanced – we’ll find out tomorrow.
“Right now we don’t know how bad it is or where it has spread.
“It started off as a tumor on his neck – a huge lump on his throat – and it was very visible.
“He was afraid of someone taking pictures of it and posting it online.”
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