Alexis Ohanian, entrepreneur and husband of tennis icon Serena Williams, recently revealed on Instagram that he underwent surgery to remove half of his thyroid. The procedure, which took place after years of monitoring suspicious nodules, was a proactive step to prevent a potential cancer diagnosis.
Ohanian shared that he had been tracking nodules on his thyroid for the past four years, which had gradually grown in size. A recent biopsy confirmed that the nodules had a high likelihood of becoming cancerous. “I wasn’t going to take a chance,” Ohanian explained in his heartfelt post, accompanied by a photo of himself in a hospital gown with a visible neck scar.
The surgery went smoothly, and Ohanian expressed gratitude for catching the issue early. However, he noted that the toughest part post-surgery has been the temporary inability to lift weights for two weeks-a minor inconvenience compared to the risks he avoided.
A personal connection to cancer
Ohanian’s decision to act swiftly was influenced by his personal experience with the disease. “My mom had breast cancer around this age (41) and then ultimately died from brain cancer a decade or so later. I hate cancer,” he shared. This poignant memory underscored the importance of vigilance and early detection for him, especially as a father.
A call to action for men
In his post, Ohanian encouraged other men, particularly fathers, to prioritize their health. “Get checked out, especially if y’all are dads,” he wrote, emphasizing the importance of regular health screenings.
Ohanian also shared photos of his daughters, Olympia, 6, and Adira, 1, highlighting how his family motivates him to stay proactive about his health. With Thanksgiving around the corner, he expressed gratitude for his recovery, his family, and his renewed health.
Ohanian’s story is a reminder of the importance of regular medical check-ups and early intervention. His candid post serves as inspiration for others to take control of their health and cherish the time spent with loved ones.
