Swedish‑born actor Dolph Lundgren, best known for his role as Ivan Drago in *Rocky IV*, has opened up about his prolonged fight against cancer in his recently released memoir, Fights Worth Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggle. The 68‑year‑old reflects on a decade‑long medical ordeal that began with a kidney tumor diagnosis in 2015 and evolved into a battle with metastatic disease affecting his liver, lungs, spine, and remaining kidney tissue.

Early diagnosis and continued work

After surgeons removed the initial kidney tumor, Lundgren returned to the screen, appearing in films such as *Creed II* and *Aquaman*. He enjoyed five years of cancer‑free living before new tumors were discovered in 2020, signaling that the disease had spread. The actor describes the shock of learning his cancer had become systemic and the difficult decisions that followed.

Facing the darkest thoughts

Lundgren admits that, at a low point, he seriously considered ending his own life. He told Fox News Digital, “I started thinking, ‘Do I really want to be in bed weighing 60 pounds and having people come and see me like that? Or should I just end it myself?’” He also disclosed a conversation with his brother, Johan, in which they discussed a potential plan for assisted death, should his condition become unbearable.

While acknowledging the existence of assisted‑dying laws in several European nations, Lundgren emphasizes that he never acted on those thoughts. A later meeting with oncologist Dr. Alexandra Drakaki at UCLA Health gave him renewed hope. Dr. Drakaki identified a misdiagnosis: the cancer cells, originally thought to be kidney cancer, carried a mutation common in lung cancer, prompting a change in treatment that improved his response.

Faith, family, and physical discipline

Throughout the memoir, Lundgren credits his “fighter’s heart,” a disciplined mindset cultivated since childhood, as a key factor in his perseverance. He also highlights the vital role of his wife and two daughters, whose presence “kept me going.” Regular exercise, he says, helped maintain his physical strength during treatment.

His longtime friend and fellow actor Sylvester Stallone reached out early in Lundgren’s illness, offering emotional support that Lundgren describes as “unexpected” and “very emotional.” The bond between the two actors, forged over four decades and six films, deepened during this challenging period.

Reflection on past choices

In the memoir, Lundgren reflects on his use of anabolic steroids and other performance‑enhancing substances between 1986 and 1996 while preparing for physically demanding roles. He notes that there is “no conclusive evidence” linking those drugs to his cancer, but he cautions young men about potential risks, urging them to consider health implications before using such substances.

He concludes the book with a message of forgiveness toward his younger self and a resolve to continue contributing to the entertainment industry and inspiring others facing adversity.

Looking ahead

Despite the severity of his diagnosis, Lundgren remains optimistic about his future. He says, “I have plenty of fight in me,” and hopes his story can offer encouragement to anyone confronting serious health challenges.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.