Sir Sean Connery`s twenty year cancer anguish

Sir Sean Connery has been having secret cancer tests on his throat for more than 20 years, it was revealed yesterday reports The Daily Record.

The movie legend sparked fears for his health when he dropped out of a Tartan Week event in New York two weeks ago to have a medical check.

Days later, he appeared at another Tartan Week event and reassured fans he was in perfect health.

Now his brother Neil, 68, has revealed the former James Bond star was having his yearly check-up to make sure that growths in his throat which first appeared in 1986 are not cancerous.

Neil, who lives in Edinburgh, said both he and his older brother suffered from the growths, called polyps.

Their dad died of throat cancer at the age of 69. And while the polyps are not harmful, they have the potential to become malignant, particularly where there is a family history of the disease.

Neil confirmed the tests clashed with the charity gig Sean, 76, had been due to host.

Neil said: "Sean was in New York for his MoT, which I do every year in Edinburgh. I'm pleased to say he passed. He had polyps on his throat, as I did, and it is ongoing.

"It is something which needs to be followed through.

"You have to have yearly checks and that is why Sean was at the hospital - just to make sure everything was all right.

"He did go on to a luncheon later but had to cancel the earlier event because of his appointment."

Last year, Edinburgh-born Connery had a tumour, believed to be benign, removed from his kidney.

It was the latest in a line of health scares for the star.

In 1993, he lost his voice while filming in Africa and had to fly home for treatment. He went on to have radiotherapy.

But last week he assured fans his health was good.

He said: "I did receive my annual medical checks last week and I am feeling well.

"It means a great deal to me to know people out there care so dearly about my well-being."

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