Tarek El Moussa’s Scariest Cancer Battle

Tarek El Moussa: from HGTV Star to two-Time Cancer Survivor and Gratitude Advocate

April 26,2024

Tarek El Moussa,the renowned real estate expert and HGTV personality best known for “Flip or Flop” and “Flipping 101,” has shared his harrowing journey of battling two different types of cancer in his early 30s. his experience underscores not only the physical challenges of cancer, but also the profound emotional and psychological impact it can have on individuals and their families. El Moussa’s story has become a testament to resilience,gratitude,and the importance of early detection.

Tarek El Moussa was diagnosed with thyroid and testicular cancer in 2013. (Getty Images)

Facing Mortality: A Young Father’s Fear

In an interview, El Moussa, now 43, revealed the emotional turmoil he experienced upon receiving his diagnoses. “Man, cancer is a scary word. And when you’re facing cancer, you know there’s always that potential of death,” he said, encapsulating the fear and uncertainty that accompany such news.

For El Moussa, the weight of his diagnoses was amplified by the duty he felt toward his young family. “The scariest part for me was not knowing if I was going to live or die,as at the time I was young,I had a family,I have my daughter,Taylor,and the scariest thing was not knowing if I woudl be around to raise my baby.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of countless parents facing serious illnesses,highlighting the profound desire to be present for their children’s lives.

“And when you’re staring death in the face, it makes you really, really realise what life is about, what you shoudl be grateful for.”

— Tarek El Moussa

El Moussa’s battle began in 2013 when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. the discovery was prompted by a keen-eyed fan who noticed a lump on his neck during one of his shows and urged him to seek medical attention. shortly thereafter, he received a second diagnosis: testicular cancer.”I wasn’t only diagnosed with one cancer, it turned out in my early 30s I had two cancers,” El Moussa shared, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his health challenges.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, about 43,800 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and about 9,910 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed. El Moussa’s case underscores the importance of self-exams and paying attention to possibly concerning physical changes. It also highlights the potential impact of public figures sharing their health struggles to raise awareness and encourage early detection.

The Road to Remission and a Renewed Viewpoint

In 2019, El Moussa announced he was cancer-free, marking a critically important milestone in his journey. “Fortunately, it’s been 10 years. I’m in remission from both cancers, I’m thriving, the kids are thriving, and we made it,” El Moussa stated, reflecting on the decade-long journey and the positive outcomes for himself and his family. Remission, while a cause for festivity, requires ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure the cancer does not return.

His cancer battles have profoundly shaped his outlook on life. “Through my experiences of being sick, it’s given me this level of gratitude that I don’t think I would have had if I didn’t go through such awful experiences,” he reflected, underscoring a common sentiment among cancer survivors who often report a heightened appreciation for life and relationships.

Tarek El moussa finds success on “Flipping 101.” (HGTV)

Raising Awareness and Inspiring Others

El Moussa’s openness about his cancer journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. By sharing his story, he has helped to reduce the stigma associated with cancer and encouraged early detection and treatment. His experience underscores the importance of:

• regular check-ups: Routine medical examinations can definitely help detect cancer in its early stages, when treatment is frequently enough more effective.
• Self-awareness: Being vigilant about changes in your body and promptly reporting them to a healthcare professional can lead to early diagnosis.
• Support systems: Leaning on family, friends, and support groups can provide emotional strength and guidance during cancer treatment and recovery.
• Maintaining a positive attitude: While cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing, maintaining a positive outlook can improve quality of life and potentially influence outcomes.

El Moussa’s story, while personal, carries a universal message of hope, resilience, and the importance of cherishing life’s precious moments. His journey from HGTV star to cancer survivor and advocate serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is indeed possible to find strength, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose.

El moussa’s Co-Star Misstep: When Heather Became Christina

Even amidst his professional successes, a lighthearted moment involving El Moussa and his wife, Heather, offered a glimpse into the dynamics of their blended family life. El Moussa humorously recounted an incident were he accidentally called his wife by his ex-wife Christina Haack’s name.

“There was this one time I was sending a video and I did accidentally call my amazing, beautiful, adorable wife, Heather, Christina, on accident, and I did get in a little bit of trouble.”

This anecdote, while comical, highlights the complexities that can arise in blended families and the importance of open interaction and understanding. it also demonstrates El Moussa’s ability to find humor in everyday situations, even after facing serious health challenges.

Christina Haack, Tarek El Moussa and Heather El Moussa star on “The Flip Off.” (HGTV)

Heather jokingly revealed in a social media video that the couple’s contractor, Bryan, also made the same mistake. El Moussa quipped, “I did that one time, and I’m lucky to be alive.”

El Moussa captioned the Instagram video, “Anyone knows of good contractors… we might need a new one after this.”

After the season finale of “The Flip Off,” El Moussa focused on the new season of his solo series, “Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa.”

On the show, El Moussa, who has more than 1,000 profitable sales under his belt, mentors real estate novices to help them learn the secrets to a prosperous flip and how to avoid costly mistakes.

The fourth season of “Flipping 101” is available on HGTV, Max and Discovery+.