Billy Connolly Treated for Prostate Cancer and 'Initial Symptoms' of Parkinson's

Billy Connolly is being treated for the "initial symptoms" of Parkinson's disease following a successful surgery to treat his prostate cancer.

The 70-year-old comedian was suffering from the early stages of prostate cancer and was treated in the US.

His spokeswoman said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered.

"In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment.

"Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year."

Following the announcement, Parkinson's UK tweeted a message of support: "We're sorry to hear news that Billy Connolly is being treated for Parkinson's," it said.

There is no cure for Parkinson's at present but there are a number of treatments available to manage the symptoms of the disease.

One person in every 500 has the progressive neurological condition and it is more common in people over the age of 50.

It develops when a person does not have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells in the brain have died.

The main symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors, slowness of movement and stiffness.

READ:
Billy Connolly: The Facts about Parkinson's Disease