Victor Davis Hanson Offers Update on Lung Cancer Surgery Recovery

The Hoover Institution senior fellow details complications from his procedure and plans for future treatment.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Victor Davis Hanson, a prominent author, scholar, and conservative commentator, provided a rare direct update on his health after undergoing lung cancer surgery in December. Hanson revealed that while the initial surgery was successful, he later developed complications including low red blood counts, fatigue, and bouts of arterial fibrillation, which have slowed his recovery. Hanson noted that the type of lung cancer he has tends to recur in about 40% of cases, and he will evaluate whether to pursue further treatment like chemotherapy or immunotherapy after some additional recovery time.

Why it matters

Hanson is a highly influential public intellectual, and his health update provides insight into his personal battle with a serious form of lung cancer. His recovery and potential future treatment plans are of interest to his many readers and followers across the political spectrum.

The details

In December, the 72-year-old Hanson announced he would undergo a significant procedure after an alarming biopsy. While the initial surgery was successful, Hanson later developed an arterial bleed that required a second operation and additional recovery time. Over the past 30 days, Hanson has experienced low red blood counts, fatigue, and bouts of arterial fibrillation, which have slowed his recovery. Hanson noted that the type of lung cancer he has tends to recur in about 40% of cases, and he will evaluate whether to pursue further treatment like chemotherapy or immunotherapy after some additional recovery time.

  • In December, Hanson announced he would have a significant procedure after an alarming biopsy.
  • Over the last 30 days, Hanson developed low red blood counts, fatigue, and bouts of arterial fibrillation.

The players

Victor Davis Hanson

A Hoover Institution senior fellow, famed author, scholar, and conservative commentator.

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What they’re saying

“As a result, over the last 30 days, I developed low red blood counts, fatigue, and bouts of arterial fibrillation. All that has sort of slowed my recovery.”

— Victor Davis Hanson

“The bottom line is that I'm hoping to come back as soon as possible. But I don't know exactly when I'll be back to near normal. In the meantime, I hope to post things now and then on days when I feel better.”

— Victor Davis Hanson

What’s next

Hanson will do a cost-benefit analysis after some recovery to determine whether he will be receiving further treatment such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

The takeaway

Hanson's health update provides a personal look at his battle with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer, highlighting the challenges he faces in his recovery and the uncertainty around his future treatment plans. As a prominent public intellectual, his health is of significant interest to his many readers and followers.