Actor Michael Douglas praises Montreal hospital for detecting his cancer

MONTREAL – Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas was the headliner at a posh fundraiser for a Montreal hospital.

It was his way of giving back to the hospital that first detected his throat cancer – a disease several American doctors had missed.

He was first diagnosed with throat cancer last summer at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital.

To show his gratitude, Douglas, who owns a farm north of Montreal, offered to help raise money for the McGill University-affiliated hospital.

So the hospital signed him up as the honoured invitee for last night’s $375-a-head gala at a downtown hotel, an event that lasted for more than four hours.

Guests who wanted more time with Douglas shelled out $740 for VIP tickets, giving them access to his pre-event, meet-and-greet cocktail.

The money raised will fund McGill University’s head and neck cancer fund.

Last year, Douglas underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments in the U-S for a walnut-sized tumour he now says is gone.