Michael Sweet the frontman of long-running Christian metal band Stryper has revealed a deeply personal update that has resonated across the rock and metal community.
Sweet announced that he has been diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer following medical tests and a biopsy earlier this month. In his message to fans he acknowledged the gravity of the news while also expressing confidence rooted in faith and optimism about his treatment and future plans.
Sweet’s revelation came through a heartfelt post on his official social media channels where he explained that a biopsy performed on November 17 for a nodule in his right thyroid came back positive for malignancy.
The 62-year-old singer shared that doctors have described the cancer as the most common type of thyroid cancer and one that is typically slow growing. He wrote directly addressing his supporters and outlining both his immediate health situation and what lies ahead.
In his own words Sweet explained part of his upcoming care plan and how it fits into Stryper’s ongoing creative timeline:
“A lot of you have been asking about my health and well being so I wanted to give you an update.”
“First thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. … The biopsy that was performed on 11/17 came back positive. Malignant.”
“I’m scheduled for a CT and an ultrasound next Monday 12/15 and then I’ll be meeting with my doctor surgeon on 12/22 to figure out a plan going forward.”“We start recording the new STRYPER album on 12/28 and that will remain on schedule. Once we finish tracking I’ll be undergoing another surgery to remove my right thyroid and the nodule itself.”
“This is papillary thyroid cancer so the good news that it’s slow growing and something that my doctor seems very optimistic about.”
“Even though it’s concerning to even hear the ‘C’ word much less be diagnosed with it I believe that it will be behind me soon enough. I’ll get in and deal with it and heal up and be ready for 2026.”“Please don’t worry about me as I know and trust that God has a plan.”
The inclusion of Sweet’s own words in this report underscores both his transparency and his connection with the band’s fan community. His faith has long been central to Stryper’s identity and music and now serves as a core theme in how he is facing this health challenge.
He concluded his note by expressing gratitude for support and prayers and also by looking ahead to their touring plans for 2026 with enthusiasm.
Sweet also touched on recent vocal issues he has been experiencing that fans may have noticed during live performances. He wrote that his voice felt a bit “crowded” in recent weeks a sensation that now makes sense in light of the diagnosis. Acknowledging these struggles Sweet issued a sincere apology to those who have seen him perform and felt he was not at full strength recently. He assured followers that he believes “things will get better” with treatment and recovery.
Despite the diagnosis Sweet confirmed that Stryper’s schedule remains intact. The band is on track to begin recording their next studio album on December 28 and is expected to move forward with promotional and touring plans into 2026.
Fans of the band will likely recall that Stryper released their most recent album When We Were Kings in 2024 and also dropped a holiday record titled The Greatest Gift of All in late 2025.
The reaction across music news outlets and fan communities has been a mix of concern praise and support. Sweet’s message reflects both a fighter’s mindset and a grounded perspective on the realities of serious health issues.
His emphasis on faith and community highlights how he has navigated personal challenges over the years while maintaining a consistent presence in rock and metal culture.
As Sweet continues through treatment and Stryper prepares for studio work and future performance dates fans and fellow musicians alike have rallied around him.
His message that he trusts in God’s plan taps into the deep faith that has been central to Stryper’s music since the band’s emergence in the early 1980s and reminds listeners of the personal resilience behind the band’s long career.
