Bryant Gumbel being treated for lung cancer

HBO Real Sports host Bryant Gumbel announced today that he had a malignant tumor, and part of his lung, removed two months ago. He broke the news while filling in for Regis Philbin on “Live! With Regis and Kelly.”

When Kelly Ripa asked Gumbel to dance during a segment, he declined saying he had a doctor’s note. He told the shocked audience about his surgery, and how some aggressive cells had escaped which warranted further treatment.

“We had told a few people, we told my family, obviously,” Gumbel said. “I even kept it from my staff at Real Sports.” HBO said Gumbel didn’t miss an episode, taping shows on both Sept. 15 and Oct. 27.

Gumbel said he’s meeting with his surgeon and oncologist next week and hopes to be cleared to play golf.

“We hope,” he said. “We HOPE, it’s over.”