Scott Adams, the 68-year-old creator of the long-running 'Dilbert' comic strip, has delivered a stark and sombre update on his health, telling fans that the odds of him recovering from an aggressive form of prostate cancer are 'essentially zero'.
A Grim Prognosis and Steadfast Resolve
During a Thursday livestream, a visibly gaunt Adams shared the bleak prognosis. He revealed he is now dealing with no feeling in his legs and 'ongoing heart failure', which he said makes it difficult to breathe at times. Despite the severity of his condition, the conservative cartoonist stated his intention to remain steadfast. 'I'll just act like nothing's happening,' he told his audience. 'I'll just pretend I have no problems - which is easier than you think.' Adams cited painkillers and 'massive amounts' of weed as supports in managing his symptoms.
A Long and Public Battle
Adams first revealed his metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis in May on his 'Real Coffee with Scott Adams' show, at the time calling his condition 'intolerable'. He noted it was the same diagnosis as US President Joe Biden, but that his had spread to his bones. In a notable turn, following Donald Trump's election win in November, Adams publicly asked the then president-elect for help. Trump responded on Truth Social, leading to Adams obtaining the newly FDA-approved drug Pluvicto. However, by December, Adams reported the treatment had proved ineffective, and rounds of radiation had left him paralyzed below the waist.
Dilbert's Legacy and Controversial Past
Adams rose to fame in the 1990s with Dilbert, which at its peak appeared in 2,000 newspapers across 65 countries. The comic was in syndication from 1989 until 2023, when it was dropped by major publishers after Adams made controversial remarks during a livestream, including labelling black people a 'hate group' – a statement he later called 'hyperbole'. The strip is now self-published by Adams as a webcomic titled Dilbert Reborn. Adams has said he will continue to work on the comic and other projects as he is able.
Looking ahead, Adams offered a sobering timeline, warning viewers that 'January will probably be a month of transition, one way or another'. He concluded his update by stating he would provide further news if his prognosis changed, but added, 'it won't.'
