Singer Johnny Ruffo has shared a heartbreaking update on his cancer battle, and says he is “still fighting” the disease.
The brave 34-year-old X Factor finalist shared a series of pictures showing how he has fought to survive his bout with brain cancer.
Ruffo, who also starred on Home and Away, included pictures of a large scar across his head after brain surgery, as well as images of his girlfriend Tahnee Sims offering him support.
“Exactly 5 years to the day since my diagnosis. Still fighting this son of ab***h,” he wrote.
“Thanks for all the support!”
Ruffo was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after suffering blinding headaches.
He had a 7cm tumor removed from his right frontal lobe, and revealed that he would have died if he had not gone through with the operation.
The surgery took 11 hours and there was 20 per cent chance he would die on the operating table.
The procedure was a success and in 2019 he was told he was in remission, something he described as the “greatest day of his life”.
But heartbreakingly, the talented performer was told in 2020 that the cancer had returned.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned, though I will dig deep and beat this s*** disease again #f*ckcancer,” Ruffo said at the time.
At one point Ruffo had four seizures in 11 days and he started forgetting the lyrics to songs.
The 2011 X Factor finalist won Dancing with the Stars in 2012, and made an emotional return to the show last year during the season finale.
“I forgot how hard it was but I also remember how much fun it was,” Ruffo said of his performance.
“It was hard to get through it but we ended up getting through there. Thanks for having me back.”
.