General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison shares secret to fighting cancer

Although Drew Quartermaine has become a super creep on General Hospital by starting a love affair with his nephew Michael Corinthos’ (Chad Duell) wife, Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), his portrayer Cameron Mathison is actually a super nice guy in real life. He’s been all over the TV dial, from hosting shows to appearing in Hallmark and Great American Family films, among other projects. (Find out why Duell left General Hospital.)

The actor found out he had cancer in 2019, but after kidney surgery, he was cancer-free and has remained so, telling People in 2022 that “it's increased my desire and my willingness and my effort and motivation to help others and to spread the word and just to be a benefit.”

The outdoors is key

General Hospital's Drew Quartermaine smiling. | Image Source: ABC

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He has since continued to help increase cancer awareness and recently shared a video on Instagram with the caption, “If you needed another reason or maybe a sign to get outside in nature, here it is. #cancerprevention #health #nature #naturalkillercells #neuroscience #didyouknow.”

In the video, Mathison was outside with a huge grin and stated, “Did you know that being in nature can actually help you fight off cancer? Hey, I'm Cameron Mathison, actor and cancer survivor, and yes, there's studies that prove this, everybody. Research shows that chemicals produced by trees such as cedars and pines called phytoncides actually increase the activity of natural killer cells that fight off cancer.”

If that information wasn’t pleasantly surprising enough, the actor continued: “Studies also show that nature exposure reduces stress, anxiety, [and] depression, while improving immune function and overall well-being. So for cancer survivors, being out in nature has been linked to better mental health, reduced fatigue, and enhanced quality of life.”

The video also briefly depicted a few people jogging through the woods to illustrate his point, which he concluded with, “So get out there in nature, everybody. Your body’s going to thank you.” Fan @angie_baci responded by relaying the fact that she lost both parents to cancer but added the positive notion, “Alternatives to medicines and a natural way is just as important. Keep doing what your doing we are all listening👍👊🤗♥️,” and Mathison replied with several hands-praying emojis.

Many of his followers agreed that alternative medicines were key to successfully dealing with the horrible disease, and several survivors shared their success stories. @maimodel heartily agreed with the actor’s words, replying with, “YES, YESSS 10000X YESSSSSS @cameronmathison !!! One of Mother Nature's greatest gifts!! 🌴🌳🌲💪🏼.”

The General Hospital star’s words were deeply inspiring, as evinced by @steffiskitchen52’s comment: “Thanks, Cameron Mathison, that’s my New Year’s intention!”

You can watch new episodes of General Hospital on ABC and Hulu.