HAPPY DAYS star Henry Winkler has spoken out about the trauma of his wife's battle against breast cancer.

The actor, best known for his role as THE FONZ, was left devastated last year (02) when wife STACEY WEITZMAN was diagnosed with the serious condition, and rushed into hospital for tests.

Henry says, "When something like that happens, it can really knock you back. It came out of the blue. Thankfully, I've always been a positive thinker but it is frightening when you encounter something over which you have no control."

Stacey underwent a lumpectomy and intensive chemotherapy, and is now on the road to recovery.

Henry adds, "It has taken her some time to regain her strength, but she is getting there. It's been amazing because we have drawn on a power we didn't know we had. We've always been close, but this has brought us closer."

Now the SCREAM star is raising awareness of the importance of self-examination and mammograms in women.

He says, "It can be treated if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Now I say to every woman I meet that she must have a mammogram. They must think I'm crazy."

21/08/2003 13:22