Alexis Ohanian has a new reason to express gratitude after averting a potential cancer diagnosis.

The 41-year-old, known as a co-founder of Reddit and partner to Serena Williams, shared on Instagram this Thanksgiving that he recently had thyroid surgery and urged “other men” to prioritize their health.

“I have been monitoring some concerning nodules on my thyroid for the past four years; recently, I had half of it removed,” Ohanian wrote alongside a post-surgical photo taken in his hospital bed. “The nodules were increasing in size, and the latest biopsy indicated they would likely become cancerous. My mom battled breast cancer at my age (41) and later succumbed to brain cancer. I despise cancer.”

He continued, “I didn’t want to take risks; the operation went well, and I’m especially thankful this Thanksgiving because I received news this morning that the half of my thyroid that was taken out contained some serious nodules that were highly likely to turn cancerous.”

He lamented his inability to lift weights for two weeks but voiced appreciation for the chance to take his daughters — 7-year-old Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr. (known as Olympia) and 1-year-old Adira River Ohanian — to Disney World during the holiday week. “Life is indeed wonderful,” Ohanian shared.

“To my fellow men — make those doctor’s appointments, particularly if you are dads,” he concluded. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.”

Ohanian and Williams welcomed their daughter Olympia in September 2017 and got married two months later in New Orleans. They announced they were expecting a second child just before attending last year’s Met Gala.

What is thyroid cancer?

As per the National Cancer Institute, thyroid cancer accounted for 2.2% of all new cancer diagnoses in 2024.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, typically not noticeable unless there’s an issue. It produces hormones using iodine, which regulate body functions such as temperature, metabolism, and heart rate.

Thyroid cancer is most commonly diagnosed in females aged 20 to 34, although the majority of cases occur in patients aged 45 to 64. Women are about three times more likely than men to develop this type of cancer.

Several factors can increase the risk, including family history, thyroid enlargement, and exposure to radiation during childhood.

Screening generally involves a physical examination for lumps in the neck, swelling in the lymph nodes, or changes in the voice. According to NCI, “Only a small fraction of thyroid nodules are diagnosed as cancer.”