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Ryan O'Neal Says He Has Stage 2 Prostate Cancer

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Ryan O'Neal says the prognosis is positive for his recovery from recently diagnosed Stage 2 prostate cancer.

The 70-year-old actor said in a statement that he was "shocked and stunned by the news" but feels fortunate the disease was caught early. He says he's expected to make a full recovery.

O'Neal says he's grateful for the support of his friends and family and advocates regular exams since early detection is the best defense.

Higher stage numbers mean more extensive disease, with Stage 4 being the highest, according to the National Cancer Institute.

His memoir about his romance with actress Farrah Fawcett, "Both of Us: My Life With Farrah," will be published on May 1. Fawcett died in 2009 after a public battle with cancer.

Last year, O'Neal starred in an docu-series, called "Ryan and Tatum: The O'Neals," which followed the actor and his daughter, Tatum, as they reclaimed their relationship after more than 25 years of estrangement.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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