Jeremy Mansfield is diagnosed with cancer...

Cancer is something that has affected many celebs internationally, from radio host Mark Pilgrim, actress Lillian Dube, singer Mellissa Ethridge, cyclist Lance Armstrong and many more have been affected by cancer. News has it that now radio show host Jeremy Mansfield will also be fighting his battle with cancer. READ this from The Times: Mansfield became ill after holiday

POPULAR radio jock Jeremy Mansfield is ready to face the biggest challenge of his life — cancer.

Mansfield found out on Tuesday that he has chronic lymphatic leukaemia, a blood and bone marrow disease that is most common in middle-aged people.

Mansfield, 45, told The Times he became ill after returning from a holiday to the Seychelles with his wife, Jacqui.

“We came back on Easter Sunday and I didn’t feel well. The next day I still had a blinding headache and was not feeling well at all, but thought it might be food poisoning,” he said.

After seeing a doctor, Mansfield was admitted for a week to the Sunninghill Hospital for extensive testing.

On Tuesday — after he had been released from hospital and had resumed his popular Rude Awakening breakfast show on Johannesburg station 94.7 Highveld Stereo — the devastating news came.

Mansfield said he had told his colleagues on Wednesday morning. They were “taken aback” at the news of his illness.

“When you work so closely with people you develop a special bond. But as the team leader I have to be strong,” he said.

Mansfield starts a six-month course of chemotherapy on Monday.

“I will get chemotherapy five days a week every month.

“I’ve been warned that I will be tired, but will continue with my on-air work. My off-air commitments will be managed,” he said.

Mansfield, known for his irrepressible personality, said: “You can either lie down and throw leaves on top of yourself and be negative, or you can be positive and fight.”

Mansfield joked to The Times that sales of beer, his favourite drink, might come under strain until he recovers.

“I am terribly sorry to tell the breweries this, but their stocks will be staying on the shelves for longer.

“I am now allowed to drink only non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beer,” he said.

Mansfield has also quit smoking and will be forced to give up another favourite, sushi.

“Unlike what many may think, I do eat rather healthily. I will miss sushi, though, as I’m not allowed to eat anything raw,” he said.

Other celebs that have fought and beat cancer are:

• Secretary of Defense Colin Powell was treated for prostate cancer in 2003. ABC's "World News Tonight: anchor, Peter Jennings was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005.

• The star of "Shaft", Richard Rountree was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy for treatment of the disease. His story is testimony that men can develop breast cancer!

• Australian singer, Kylie Minogue, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of this year. She recently underwent surgery to remove the lump found in her breast.

• Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts, was diagnosed with throat cancer this year. He has completed his treatment and has fully recovered. Actor Patrick Swayze, beat his battle against pancreatic cancer.