Atheist Age

Hitchens diagnosed with esophageal cancer

© ABC

British-born author Christopher Hitchens has cut short a book tour to undergo chemotherapy.

Media outlets including America’s CBS News reported that Hitchens, known to be a heavy smoker and drinker, has been diagnosed with cancer.

“I have been advised by my physician that I must undergo a course of chemotherapy on my esophagus,” the 61-year-old said in a statement released through his publishers Twelve.

“This advice seems persuasive to me.

“I regret having had to cancel so many engagements at such short notice,” he added.

A representative for Twelve offered no details beyond the statement.

Continued…

© A.P.

WASHINGTON — British author Christopher Hitchens says he must undergo chemotherapy on his esophagus and has canceled some engagements.

The 61-year-old Hitchens, whose most recent book, “Hitch-22,” is on Publishers Weekly’s best-sellers list, posted a message on his publisher’s website that he had been told by his doctor that he must undergo a course of chemotherapy. Hitchens expressed regret for having to cancel engagements on short notice.

His publisher issued a statement saying the author was being given his privacy during the treatments.

The author, essayist and columnist lives near DuPont Circle. He has written more than a dozen books and enjoyed surprising commercial success three years ago with “God Is Not Great,” a direct attack on religion.

Esophageal cancer facts

Tags: Hitchens, Hitchens-cancer