Michael Sweet has shared some tough news with fans this week, confirming he’s been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.
The Stryper frontman posted a detailed update across his socials, breaking down the timeline, the tests, and how he plans to push ahead with both treatment and the band’s upcoming recording schedule.
In his statement, Sweet explained: “A lot of you have been asking about my health and well being so I wanted to give you an update.”
He went on to confirm that a biopsy performed on 11/17 came back malignant: “I spoke to my endocrinologist and unfortunately the biopsy… came back positive. Malignant.”
Despite the diagnosis, Sweet is trying to keep things grounded, revealing he’s set for a CT and ultrasound on December 15th, with a follow up meeting on December 22nd to map out next steps.
He also stressed that Stryper’s next record remains locked in, “We start recording the new STRYPER album on 12/28 and that will remain on schedule.”
Sweet will undergo another surgery after tracking is complete, following a previous partial thyroidectomy in 2023, this time, surgeons will remove the right side of his thyroid.
There is, however, some encouraging news, papillary thyroid cancer is typically slow-growing and treatable.
As Sweet said, “This is papillary thyroid cancer, so the good news that it’s slow growing and something that my doctor seems very optimistic about.”
Vocal difficulties
He also explained recent vocal difficulties, saying it has felt “a little more ‘crowded’ in there,” which now makes sense given the diagnosis.
Still, he apologised to fans for not performing at full capacity, something he absolutely didn’t need to do.
Sweet wrapped his message with faith, gratitude and optimism, “Even though it’s concerning to even hear the ‘C’ word… I believe that it will be behind me soon enough.”
He added, “Please don’t worry about me as I know and trust that God has a plan… I love you guys and I can’t wait to see you on the road in 2026.”
Stryper recently dropped their Christmas album The Greatest Gift of All, featuring a fresh take on ‘Reason for the Season’.
For now, we’re rallying around Sweet, and hoping for a smooth road to recovery.
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