Entrepreneur Reveals Cancer Scare After Thyroid Surgery
Entrepreneur and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian recently shared a personal story about his health journey that resonated with many. After monitoring suspicious nodules on his thyroid for four years, he opted for surgery, detailing the experience on his social media.
An Ongoing Concern
In a post accompanied by a photo in a hospital gown, Ohanian explained the years-long process leading to the surgical decision. He revealed the nodules had been growing in size, and the latest biopsy indicated a high likelihood of developing into cancerous growth. This solidified his choice to undergo surgery.
“My mom had breast cancer around this age (41) and then ultimately died from brain cancer a decade or so later. I hate cancer,” Ohanian shared, offering a glimpse into his personal motivation and concern. Recognizing a potential hereditary risk, he wasn’t willing to take any chances.
Smooth Sailing and Grateful Reflections
Ohanian reassured his followers that the surgery went smoothly. Though he didn’t specify the exact date of the procedure, he expressed extra gratitude this Thanksgiving, noting recent news related to his surgery had prompted these feelings.
He received confirmation his removed thyroid half contained potentially cancerous nodules. This news underscored the wisdom of taking a proactive approach to his health.
Recovery and Quality Time
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ohanian’s tone remained positive. He admitted the most challenging part of recovery was avoiding lifting activities but predicted a full return to his regular routine the following week. Still finding moments for joy amidst recovery, he shared that he’d taken his daughters to Disney World, stating, “Life is wonderful!”
An Important Message for Other Fathers
Concluding his post, Ohanian extended a crucial message to other fathers: “To my fellow, men — make those doctor’s appointments — especially if y’all are dads. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.” His open vulnerability resonated deeply, encouraging men to prioritize their health, particularly at potentially critical stages.
Support From Friends and Celebrities
Ohanian’s heartfelt post garnered a wave of support from friends and celebrity followers alike. TODAY contributor Jill Martin, who publicly shared her breast cancer journey earlier this year and is now cancer-free, thanked him for his honesty and encouraged everyone to get tested, emphasizing knowledge as power.
Peloton’s Robin Arzón sent well wishes, sharing “Sending you healing vibes. And soon to be back.” Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn echoed these sentiments, expressing her delight that the surgery had gone well.
What led Alexis Ohanian to decide to have half of his thyroid removed?
## Entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian Opens Up About Preventative Thyroid Surgery
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show today. We’re joined by Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a vocal advocate for various social causes. Alexis, thank you for being here.
**Alexis Ohanian:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** You recently underwent surgery to remove half of your thyroid. Can you tell our viewers what led to this decision?
**Alexis Ohanian:** Sure. For the past four years, I’ve been monitoring some nodules on my thyroid. They’ve been gradually growing, and recent biopsies indicated a high likelihood they could develop into cancerous growth. Given my family history – my mother passed away from cancer – I decided to take a preventative approach and have them removed. [[1](https://people.com/alexis-ohanian-removed-half-his-thyroid-in-preventative-surgery-8753237)]
**Interviewer:** It must have been a difficult decision.
**Alexis Ohanian:** It definitely was. No one wants to go under the knife, but knowing the potential risks and my family history, I felt it was the right choice for me. I’m grateful that the surgery went smoothly.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been very open about this experience on social media. Why was it important for you to share your story?
**Alexis Ohanian:** I wanted to raise awareness about preventative healthcare. Early detection and taking proactive steps can make a huge difference. It’s also about showing that even successful entrepreneurs face health challenges, and it’s okay to
talk about them.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Your story is certainly inspiring. Thanks for sharing it with us today.
**Alexis Ohanian:** My pleasure.
