Stryper frontman Michael Sweet recently informed fans that he has been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.
“A lot of you have been asking about my health and well being so I wanted to give you an update,” Sweet said in a social media post on Tuesday (Dec. 9).
Sweet cofounded the iconic Christian metal band in 1983. The band has influenced many Christian rock bands and artists today, including Skillet frontman John Cooper. Throughout the band’s career, Stryper, a name inspired by Isaiah 53:5, has received a Grammy Award nomination and won two Dove Awards.
After thanking his social media followers for their “thoughts and prayers,” Sweet shared that his endocrinologist told him that a nodule in his right thyroid that was biopsied on Nov. 17 came back positive for cancer.
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“I’m scheduled for a CT and an ultrasound next Monday 12/15 (following the Christmas show) and then I’ll be meeting with my doctor/surgeon on 12/22 to figure out a plan moving forward,” Sweet said. “We start recording the new Stryper album on 12/28 and that will remain on schedule. Once we finish tracking, I’ll be undergoing another surgery to remove my right thyroid and the nodule itself.”
“This is papillary thyroid cancer, so the good news [is] that it’s slow growing and something that my doctor seems very optimistic about,” he continued. “Interestingly enough, I sang the album ‘When We Were Kings’ 2 months (to the day) after my first thyroidectomy, and I never felt better vocally.”
“Unfortunately (and more recently),” Sweet added, “I’ve been experiencing a few issues vocally and it feels a little more ‘crowded’ in there. Now I understand why.”
“My sincere apologies for not being to perform at 100% lately,” he said. “It’s been a bit of a burden to be honest, but I’m confident that things will get better.”
The “To Hell With the Devil” rocker believes this will “be behind” him soon and that he will be ready for what 2026 has in store.
“Please don’t worry about me as I know and trust that God has a plan,” Sweet stated.”
“I’ve always felt some kind of peace in being able to ask for prayer here. Whether it’s for someone else or for myself,” he said, “you always take the time to do that and it is a true blessing. It’s been a constant in my life and I believe that you all are friends. Family.”
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