Kris Aquino details cancer scare, hints at new show

MANILA — Actress and talk show host Kris Aquino revealed on Sunday that doctors have suspected her to have colon cancer, the same illness that afflicted her mom, the late president Corazon Aquino.



But in a lengthy essay she posted on Instagram, Kris, who has been battling autoimmune diseases for years, said with relief that she is cancer-free.

Nonetheless, Aquino said that what she had to go through was “devastating.”

“After my PET scan I was knocked out… I could sense something was wrong because my team of doctors didn’t do their normal rounds,” she recalled.

“The next day, my gastroenterologist had no choice but to tell me because I need to start my purse for my endoscopy and colonoscopy. The abdominal area, specifically my colon area lit up… I’m normally very BRAVE. But I broke down after my doctor left… My mom’s oncologist had to come in, and it felt surreal.”

Kris felt even sadder when her son Bimby learned of her predicament. “Ang hirap to see my 17 year old doing his best to stay strong,” she said.

But after the test results came in, the doctors told her the good news.

“Late afternoon when I was wide awake, Dr. Jonnel was smiling, he said – you are CANCER FREE. Clear intestines, no visible sign of cancer,” said Kris.

However, she added that this does not mean she is 100 percent healthy.

She still has to battle her way back to recovery against six autoimmune conditions. Three of them, she said, are life threatening.

“The 3 autoimmune conditions are Chung Strauss… Systemic Sclerosis… and LUPUS… Everyone living with us who goes out need to shower, wear a mask in my presence and guests need to be freshly showered… that’s because my immunity is zero,” she said.

But Kris said she is determined to survive her ordeal.

“I promised myself BAWAL SUMUKO. I need a goal, something for all of us to look forward to. #Tuloyanglaban,” said the actress-host.

Kris also revealed that she even has a show coming up before the year ends.

“Para hindi kayo magsawang magdasal, sabi nya you miss watching me. I want to thank my former ABS-CBN bosses for allowing Jasmin and Darla to work with me on a show which will launch before 2024 ends,” she said.

It’s unclear if the new show will be a digital show or will air on ABS-CBN.

“Secret muna yung concept, but you will get to see the reality of Kris, (my son) Bimb, and my “through the years” best friends (my extended family) and definitely my team of doctors who are now among my most trusted friends,” Aquino said.

Regarding her lovelife, she asked for her fans’ patience.

“Apologies, but until my groom and I exchange vows, in that very small wedding… I’m choosing to keep my  relationship private. Ibalato n’yo na sa kin run,” she said. “Invited naman kayoing lahat if and when sa kasal.”

The so-called Queen of All Media recently came home to the Philippines for chemo sessions after residing in the United States in recent years to receive treatment.

. — Hannahlyn Tomaquin, ABS-CBN News Intern