Fact or Fiction: Steve Perry

Can somebody answer a question for me. Every time I bring up Steve Perry's new album, everybody tells me Steve Perry had throat cancer. Is this true or just a vicious lie?
I have listened to many interviews and it is never discussed. Perhaps Perry makes it clear he doesn't want to talk about it, but I don't think he ever had throat cancer. It is very frustrating that everybody believes Perry had it when it is not proven fact, but just ignorant gossip.
Set me straight one way or another. Did Perry have throat cancer or not?
I have listened to many interviews and it is never discussed. Perhaps Perry makes it clear he doesn't want to talk about it, but I don't think he ever had throat cancer. It is very frustrating that everybody believes Perry had it when it is not proven fact, but just ignorant gossip.
Set me straight one way or another. Did Perry have throat cancer or not?