TV host explains why he didn’t treat late son’s cancer
<p dir="ltr">TV host Nick Cannon has revealed why his late son Zen did not receive treatment after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In his latest interview with<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://people.com/parents/nick-cannon-opens-up-losing-son-zen-cancer-people-cover/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=people_people&utm_term=curalate_like2buy" target="_blank"><em>People</em></a>, Cannon spoke about his own experience with chemotherapy during his battle with lupus and said it influenced his decision to not proceed with the same treatment for his son. He explained that he didn’t want his young son to “suffer”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The<span> </span><em>Masked Singer</em><span> </span>star shared Zen with former model Alyssa Scott, and explained how they came to their decision.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We were having quality of life conversations,” he<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/nick-cannon-reveals-he-chose-not-to-treat-late-sons-cancer/WOH3VM56FDSJ7L64WAJ3P4GLF4/" target="_blank">said</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“We could have had that existence where he would’ve had to live in the hospital, hooked up to machines, for the rest of the time. From someone who’s had to deal with chemotherapy before, I know that pain. To see that happen to a two-month-old, I didn’t want that. I didn’t want him to suffer.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">The actor, who starred on the cover of<span> </span><em>People</em>, said “we had a short time with a true angel”.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“My heart is shattered. I wish I could have done more, spent more time with him, taken more pictures. I wish I could have hugged him longer.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">In August, Zen was diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, at just two-months old.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After doctors did all they could to treat him, Cannon and Scott decided to give their son the best life they could, no matter how long or short it would be.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Cannon first<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.co.nz/news/news/tv-host-announces-death-of-5-month-old-son" target="_blank">shared the news of Zen’s passing</a><span> </span>on his talk show while recounting the difficult moments during his son’s health battle.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Over the weekend I lost my youngest son to a condition called hydrocephalus that is pretty much a malignant, midline brain tumour - brain cancer,” he said.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The couple spent their last day with Zen at the beach watching the sunrise and sunset together.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He then passed away on December 5 with his parents by his side.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“I see it as a blessing that I got to be there,” Cannon told<span> </span><em>People</em>. “Alyssa says, ‘I think he was just waiting for you.’”</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>
