It's not quite as upsetting as hearing Hugh Jackman has it (apologies, but it had to be said. Blame Vinnie's 'ard man persona), but it's more of an indicator of just how many people have it. Both Vinnie and his wife Tanya are currently battling the disease.
The 48-year-old star found a lump in February before it was removed and diagnosed as melanoma, and he has had two further operations since.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, he said:
"Cancer is a horrible word to hear. It frightens the life out of you. I've faced the biggest and ugliest lads on the football field and been in some nasty bar brawls. But this is my toughest and scariest opponent yet... First I found this little lump under my eye. I didn't know if it as a blackhead or a little war When the doctor said I had skin cancer, the first thing I thought was, 'How long have I got left?' A million and one things go through your head. They have cut out three bits so far and I'm constantly worried about where I could find it next. It's weighing very heavily on me all the time. It's really knocked me for six."
Vinnie also discussed his wife's own battle with cancer, which she was diagnosed with as a side effect of drugs she has taken after having a heart transplant 26 years ago:
"She has dealt with health issues every day since. They now think her skin cancer is a result of the drugs she's been taking since the heart transplant. When it comes to things like this, women are stronger. Suddenly I've gone from the one helping her to the one that needs support. I'm trying to take the world in a bit more and appreciate my family and friends."
As cliched as it sounds, life is best lived one day at a time. It's the only way to get through it. Coffee also helps.
