Spartacus Battles Cancer

Lead Spartacus: Blood and Sand star Andy Whitfield has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, postponing production of the second season of the popular Starz series.  The disease was apparently caught early, and Whitfield is currently receiving treatment in New Zealand with a good prognosis.

The first season of Spartacus: Blood and Sand is currently airing, telling the story of Spartacus' first months fighting in the arena.  The first season finale airing on April 16th.  The show has been receiving strong ratings and critical reviews, with many people comparing it to the theatrical feature '300' with its stylized fight sequences and digital blood.

'Dexter' star Michael Anthony Hall admitted to receiving treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma shortly before winning a Golden Globe for the series earlier this year.  Hall's cancer is in remission, and is generally more treatable than Whitfield's non-Hodgkin variation.  The 5 year survival rate for non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is approximately 51% after 5 years.