UC Irvine Health System

12/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/26/2024 23:54

Grammy-award winning rock band musician beats lung cancer

Grammy-award winning rock band musician beats lung cancer


December 26, 2024
"I was, like, offended when they said the C word - that's a scary word," Jason Freese said during a recent visit with thoracic surgeon Dr. Ali Mahtabifard, at left, who removed the tumor and part of the musician's left lung.

IN THE NEWS: After 20 years of touring with Green Day, Jason Freese had to step away from his keyboard and saxophone last January to focus on beating lung cancer at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Eight months later - after chemotherapy, gene therapy, surgery to remove half his left lung, then radiation - the triple-threat musician was cancer free and contributing his backup vocals, keyboard and sax solos on band's 2024 U.S. tour.

"It was incredible getting back out and going, 'Okay, I did it, I conquered it," the 49-year-old Freese told ABC7 Eyewitness News on a recent visit to the cancer center to meet with his thoracic surgeon, Dr. Ali Mahtabifard. "I didn't let cancer beat me."

It was on his birthday last January that UCI Health doctors told Freese he had stage III lung cancer. The nonsmoker and avid runner was shocked, but he resolved to fight with everything he had, staying positive and focused on getting healthy. Today, his regular scans and lab tests continue to show no evidence of cancer.

Shortly after he celebrates his 50th birthday on Jan. 12, he'll be leaving on a world tour with the band, feeling stronger than ever - and grateful.

"I couldn't have done it without my doctors at UCI Health," said the devoted husband and father of two sons. "Dr. Mahtabifard is my hero. You said, 'You're going to be fine, you're going to be out on tour and I'm going to come to your show and I'll be in the front row. And you did!"

Read more