In Hollywood, he was surrounded by stars, many of whom smoked. Landers checked into the veterans administration hospital for minor surgery. An X-ray showed a tumor on a lung the size of a golf ball. The doctor told Landers not to smoke for at least 10 days before the surgery to remove the tumor. The night before, Landers lit one up.
Cigarettes are the most addictive drug in the world.
The tumor operation was painful, Landers said. He explained that doctors break ribs to get into the lungs. He spent four years recuperating in Florida. When he thought all traces of cancer were gone, he returned to his acting career. In 1992, Landers decided to have surgery on his sinuses to make him stop snoring.