Billy Connolly undergoes surgery for prostate cancer and treated for ...

Billy Connolly and his wife Pamela Stephenson pictured in 2002 (Picture: PA)

Billy Connolly has undergone prostate cancer surgery and is being treated for the ?initial symptoms? of Parkinson?s Disease.

The stand-up comic and actor?s operation was a ?total success? and he has made a full recovery, his spokeswoman said.

Despite the surgery, the 70-year-old is expected to continue his TV and stage work.

?Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered,? a statement said.

?In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson?s disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment.

?Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year.?

Glasgow-born Connolly, affectionately known as the Big Yin, is one of 127,000 with Parkinson?s, which is caused by a loss of brain cells that produce a chemical messenger known as dopamine.

Possible symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement and memory loss.

Billy Connolly originally rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene (Picture: PA)

Connolly admitted earlier this year he had started to forget lines during performances.

?This is f****** terrifying. I feel like I?m going out of my mind,? he said at the time.

There is still no cure for Parkinson?s, with scientists unable to work out why people develop the condition.

Symptoms can be managed through drugs, therapies and, sometimes, surgery.

Steve Ford, chief executive at Parkinson?s UK, said he was sorry to hear about the star?s treatment.

?One person every hour will be diagnosed with Parkinson?s in the UK, despite this it remains a little understood condition and we salute Billy?s bravery in speaking out about his condition at this difficult time,? he said.

?We wish Billy and his family all the best as they come to terms with this upsetting diagnosis.?

Connolly is married to New Zealand-born actress and psychologist Pamela Stephenson whose biography of her husband, simply called Billy, was a huge best-seller.

Source: http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/16/billy-connolly-undergoes-surgery-for-prostate-cancer-and-treated-for-parkinsons-symptoms-4026057/

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