Respected TV Judge Frank Caprio completed his cancer treatment after seven months.
He talked to PEOPLE magazine about finishing his final radiation session at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
Caprio, known for his role in the reality show Caught in Providence, shared that receiving a standing ovation was quite an experience for him.
“I went from getting pancreatic cancer and not many people having any hope that I live — to successfully completing five doses of radiation,” he says.
Caprio felt hopeful as he rang the cancer bell to mark the end of his cancer journey, surrounded by loved ones and hospital staff.
He told PEOPLE that ringing the bell symbolized happiness, freedom from cancer, healing, and hope for others.
Reflecting on the experience, he described it as very emotional.
TV Judge Frank Caprio was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2023, around his 87th birthday.
He underwent six months of chemotherapy and five radiation sessions, leaving him feeling weak.
Despite the tough treatment, he emphasized the need to stay hopeful and mentally resilient.
He advised, “You have to dig down deep within your courage and make up your mind that you’re going to beat this.”
Caprio received great medical care and remained hopeful despite the grim prognosis.
He described the journey as challenging.
Caprio, a judge since 1985, is known for his kindness on Caught in Providence, earning Emmy nods from 2021 to 2023.
He chaired the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education for a decade, overseeing the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island.
TV Judge Frank Caprio‘s acclaimed show portrays real cases from his Providence Municipal courtroom, ranging from heartwarming to quirky.
Throughout, his compassionate and distinct approach to justice shines.
This year, he’s up for Daytime Personality – Daily at the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards.
Cleared to travel after treatment, he’s in Los Angeles with his family for the live June 7 broadcast.
TV Judge Frank Caprio missed last year’s event due to cancer treatment and strikes causing a delay until December.
He couldn’t attend because of chemotherapy but is now proud to be nominated and hopeful to win.
“The nomination just makes me feel very proud. And I don’t care what anyone says to you, if you’re nominated, you’re hoping that you win. So I’m hoping I win. But if I don’t, I recognize the talent of other people and I wish them well,” he said.
Regardless, he respects others’ talents. He feels honored and grateful, considering last year’s situation unbelievable.
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas, causing symptoms like nausea, swelling, fatigue, jaundice, and loss of appetite, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are used, but survival rates are low due to difficulty in early detection.
Pancreatic cancer occurs when pancreatic cells grow excessively, forming a tumor.
The pancreas, located in the abdomen near the spine and stomach, regulates blood sugar and aids digestion by producing hormones and enzymes.
Most pancreatic cancers originate in the pancreatic ducts, particularly the main pancreatic duct that connects to the common bile duct.
Early pancreatic tumors are hard to spot on imaging tests, leading to late diagnoses when the cancer has spread.
Treatment is challenging as pancreatic cancer doesn’t respond well to common drugs.
Researchers are exploring genetic tests and new imaging methods for early detection, but much remains unknown.
Pancreatic cancer makes up about 3% of all cancers in the United States.
It ranks as the 10th most common cancer in men and those assigned male at birth, and the 8th most common in women and those assigned female at birth.
The number of pancreatic cancer cases is increasing. It’s projected to become the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States by 2030.
Watch TV Judge Frank Caprio as he rings the cancer bell to celebrate the end of his treatment:
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