Overview

• Lars Klingbeil, chairman of Germany's SPD, publicly shared for the first time that he overcame tongue cancer diagnosed in 2014.
• Klingbeil detected the cancer himself, sought treatment, and has been cancer-free for over a decade with no relapses.
• The experience led him to quit a heavy smoking habit of up to 40 cigarettes a day; he has been smoke-free for 11 years.
• He described the diagnosis as a life-changing moment, influencing his calm demeanor and measured leadership style.
• Klingbeil made the disclosure on Die Zeit's 'Alles gesagt?' podcast, reflecting on his recovery as 'very big luck.'