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Johnny's pain before brain cancer diagnosis

When Johnny Ruffo was rushed to hospital last month after having a severe migraine, his life changed forever as he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Now the former Home and Away star admits he'd suffered from headaches on and off over the years, but never thought they could have been a sign of a tumour forming.

Speaking to Nova 96.9 FM's Fitzy and Wippa show on Monday morning, the 29-year-old actor and singer said: "I’ve sort of on and off been getting headaches for years but I just thought... I just put it down to drinking too much".

Johnny Ruffo has opened up about the headaches he suffered over the years before he was diagnosed with brain cancer last month. Source: Nova FM
Johnny Ruffo has opened up about the headaches he suffered over the years before he was diagnosed with brain cancer last month. Source: Nova FM

"Like every young person would," radio presenter Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald responded.

Johnny explained that when he had these headaches, he'd think to himself: "I probably should stop drinking a bit. I should probably not go out this weekend".

"As you do, you get a headache [and] you think, 'I”ll just take a panadol'," he added.

The former Home and Away star appeared on Nova 96.9 FM's Fitzy and Wippa show on Monday morning. Source: Nova FM
The former Home and Away star appeared on Nova 96.9 FM's Fitzy and Wippa show on Monday morning. Source: Nova FM

But last month it was a different story when the former X Factor star suffered a severe migraine.

After being rushed to hospital, the actor slipped into a coma, and it was discovered he had a brain tumour that needed to be operated on immediately.

"With the tumour, they could only remove 95 per cent of it, the remaining five per cent was too close to some nerves," he explained.

After being rushed to hospital last month, the actor slipped into a coma, and it was discovered he had a brain tumour that needed to be operated on immediately. Doctors then realised it was cancerous. Source: Instagram
After being rushed to hospital last month, the actor slipped into a coma, and it was discovered he had a brain tumour that needed to be operated on immediately. Doctors then realised it was cancerous. Source: Instagram

Johnny is now undergoing radiation treatment for six weeks, and will then have a four-week break before a six-month stint of chemotherapy.

With the support of his close family and friends, the actor says now is the time to maintain a positive outlook.

Johnny is now undergoing radiation treatment for six weeks, and will then have a four-week break before a six-month stint of chemotherapy. Source: Instagram
Johnny is now undergoing radiation treatment for six weeks, and will then have a four-week break before a six-month stint of chemotherapy. Source: Instagram
Johnny shot to fame after starring on The X Factor Australia, placing third in the 2011 series. Source: Channel Seven
Johnny shot to fame after starring on The X Factor Australia, placing third in the 2011 series. Source: Channel Seven

"I’m not going to walk around and mope about being like, 'Oh you know I’ve got cancer'," he said.

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"I guess you just have to stay positive."

He played Chris Harrington on Channel Seven Logie award-winning drama Home and Away from 2013 to 2016. Source: Channel Seven
He played Chris Harrington on Channel Seven Logie award-winning drama Home and Away from 2013 to 2016. Source: Channel Seven

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