Rage Against The Machine's Tim Commerford announces cancer diagnosis

Rage Against The Machine bassist Tim Commerford says he's battling prostate cancer.

The 54-year-old had surgery two months ago to have his prostate removed and says he's 'never felt pain' like that in his life.

"I’ve been someone that’s taken a lot of pride in being in shape and taking care of myself.

"But it’s something where either you’re either lucky or not."

Only family, bandmates and close friends know about the diagnosis.

The musician felt something wasn't right when trying to get life insurance.

"I went to get life insurance but my PSA numbers were up", he explained.

"I couldn’t get it. They wouldn’t insure me. At first, the number was very low — like one-point-something.

"I watched it over the course of a year and a half, and it kept elevating further.

"Eventually, they did a biopsy and found out I had cancer, so they took my prostate out.

"I had been thinking, well, because they’re watching it and let it get to this point, maybe it’s not that big of a deal.

"I blame myself. I should have said, ‘my numbers are elevated and what does that really mean?’ I should have taken it more seriously.

"I should have looked into alternate therapy instead of getting sucked into the most disgusting, capitalistic machine on the face of the planet: the medical establishment.

"Now I’m in the situation that I’m in, which is, hold your breath for six months. It’s not a good one and not one that I’m happy about.

"I’m just trying to grab ahold of the reins. It’s gonna be a long journey, I hope.

"My dad died in his early 70s from cancer and my mom died from cancer in her 40s. Split the difference to 65 and I’ve got 10 years.

"I’m trying to get to the 100-song mark — I have some goals now. Songwriting has become a catharsis for me.

"Back to the original question, how do I find the time? That’s all I’ve got, is time."