Dolph Lundgren Reflects on Cancer Battles and Staying Fit at 68 in New Memoir

Dolph Lundgren, famed for his towering presence as the formidable Soviet boxer Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and the heroic He-Man in Masters of the Universe, is not your typical action star. Beyond the roles that endeared him to audiences, he has a rich intellectual background — holding a master’s degree in chemical engineering and gaining recognition as a Fulbright scholar. However, his journey took a harrowing turn when he faced a life-threatening battle with cancer.

With a career marked by over a hundred film credits and continuous work spanning three decades, Lundgren's personal life took center stage following a cancer diagnosis a decade ago. As he embarks on a book tour for his autobiography, Fights Worth Fighting: Finding Strength in Struggle, he shares deeper reflections on his experiences. “It’s a bit like doing therapy," he confesses, acknowledging how revisiting his past helped him appreciate his earlier self and provided an avenue for self-acceptance.

Confronting His Health Challenges

Lundgren's cancer journey began in 2015, prompted by blood in his urine after a workout. The subsequent diagnosis revealed a kidney tumor that required surgical removal. Although he hoped that would be the end of his struggles, the situation worsened in 2020 when several additional tumors were detected near the original site, followed by a malignant tumor in his liver, which was too large for surgery.

As he faced the potential realities of his condition — including blood clots from treatment — Lundgren chose not to succumb to despair. Instead, he maintained a full schedule of film projects, highlighting his resilience. Desiring alternative treatment options, he sought a second opinion at UCLA Health, where Dr. Alexandra Drakaki discovered a specific mutation linked to lung cancer in his tissue samples. This insight enabled a targeted therapy, ultimately shrinking his tumors by a staggering 90%. The remaining cancerous tissues were eradicated via advanced ablation techniques.

Maintaining Fitness in His Sixties

Despite health challenges, Lundgren, now 68, has kept a rigorous fitness routine that reflects his belief in the significance of maintaining physical health as one ages. “It’s very important to keep your muscle mass, keep your testosterone levels up,” he asserts, emphasizing the benefits of strength training, especially post-cancer treatment. Lundgren trains vigorously three times a week, blending weight training with karate to stay in top shape.

Moreover, he believes that even dedicating just 30 minutes to exercise can yield substantial benefits for both body and mind, a philosophy he continues to live by. His ongoing commitment to fitness not only bolstered his recovery but serves as an inspiring message to others navigating their own battles.

Inspiration from His Journey

Lundgren’s narrative in Fights Worth Fighting transcends his personal story; it's crafted to motivate those facing their own struggles, whether they be health-related or otherwise. Lundgren understands the importance of resilience, having reflected on his trajectory from Sweden to Hollywood, acknowledging how his life decisions shaped his complex identity.

While he has achieved fame as an action star, Lundgren once envisioned a life as a karate instructor or chemical engineering teacher. In retrospect, he recognizes how vital it was for him to follow the creative path he ultimately chose, allowing him to thrive in an industry that often mirrors the real struggles he overcame. “I think I made the right choice,” he notes, with a hint of satisfaction.

For those inspired by his journey or interested in his continued impact on fitness and wellness, Lundgren's memoir and forthcoming documentary, Dolph: Unbreakable, promise to be both enlightening and motivational. Lundgren's resilience serves as a testament to facing life's adversities head-on.

For more information about Dolph Lundgren’s book and tour, click here.

The documentary will premiere on October 6, 2026.

To keep up with his journey, follow him on Instagram here.