Jeff Ross reveals how doctor jokingly broke news of his colon cancer diagnosis: 'Now I have a semicolon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jeff Ross, known for turning pain into punchlines, recently opened up about a serious health scare that was humorously delivered to him by his doctor.
The 59-year-old comedian learned he had colon cancer after undergoing his first colonoscopy, a decision prompted by a friend.
Jeff Ross' doctors removed 7-inch colon from him
Jeff Ross admitted he hadn’t prioritized routine screenings until a friend encouraged him to get checked.
“I was already in my 50s, and I'd never gotten a colonoscopy,” Ross told host Jimmy Kimmel on the Wednesday episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
“I went in, I had no symptoms, and I had a tumor in my colon. You always think it's never going to happen to you, and it happened to me.”
Ross explained that doctors removed 7 inches of his colon following the diagnosis. “Now I have a semicolon,” he joked during the segment.
He also recalled the moment his oncologist broke the news using humor.
“My oncologist was like, ‘Jeff, the good news and bad news. The bad news is you're going to need six months of chemo. The good news is you lost your hair a long time ago,’” Ross said.
Jeff Ross compares surgery scars to 50 Cent’s bullet wounds
Though he’s now doing well, Jeff Ross pointed out the lasting signs from his treatment, comparing himself to 50 Cent.
“You know, I had laparoscopic surgery so I have holes around here,” he said, motioning to his chest.
“Little holes. I'm like 50 Cent if instead of getting shot, he ate pastrami twice a week for 50 years.”
The comedian has channeled his health journey into his upcoming Broadway show, 'Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride', debuting this summer.
While the show blends comedy with real-life experience, Ross made it clear that he wanted to be open with his fans.
Jeff Ross honors Norm MacDonald, says he didn’t want to ‘hide’ illness
Jeff Ross noted that he wanted to publicly share his cancer battle to avoid the secrecy he saw with others.
“I don’t want the show to be maudlin, but I think it’s important to address it,” he said, according to Parade.
“Norm was very private and hid his sickness,” Ross added, referring to his late friend Norm MacDonald, who died in 2021 from leukemia.
“I didn’t think that was fair to the audience and his friends, so I’m putting it out there. But I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. It’s going to be a very empowering and bold statement on how to get through tough times," he said.
Fans appreciate Jeff Ross for having sense of humor intact despite illness
Fans responded positively online to Jeff Ross' appearance, appreciating that his sense of humor remains intact despite his health scare, as many wished for a swift recovery.
“I have always enjoyed Jeff Ross. I appreciate people who can laugh at their frailties,” one YouTube user wrote.
Another said, “The ‘Now I have a Semi-Colon’ was fantastic!!”
One fan added, “Wishing him good health, much.”
Another wrote, “Absolutely love this guy....I can listen to him talk forever.”
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