The Young and the Restless star Eric Braeden is being treated for cancer (Picture: Sebastien Nogier/ EPA/ REX/ Shutterstock)

The Young and the Restless star Eric Braeden has been diagnosed with cancer.

The German-born film and television actor, 82, has played ruthless villain Victor Newman on the American soap since 1980.

This week he revealed that he is currently undergoing treatment for the cancer after noticing issues following a routine surgery.

In a video shared to Facebook, Eric explained that as he was recovering from knee surgery, he ‘began to have problems’ with his prostate.

The issue sent him to the hospital, where he was treated for frequent urination.

But after consulting with several doctors, he discovered he had cancer.

‘Needless to say, I was taken aback, but I was determined to deal with it,’ he said.

Eric has played Victor Newman for over 40 years (Picture: Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images)

After undergoing surgery to remove the cancer, Eric is now receiving treatments that stimulate his immune system to fight the high-grade cancer cells.

He explained the routine causes flu-like symptoms and is part of a six-week plan.

In his 13-minute-long video posted on social media, Eric also issued a warning to his fans, where he urged them to be conscious of their health.

‘I hate to be so personal, but I think this may be good for some older guys who may or may not listen to this,’ he said.

‘It’ll happen to them.’

The Young and the Restless first started airing in 1973 (Picture: CBS)

But he made sure to end his video on a hopeful note, saying he is in the process of learning of how to be more on top of his health, especially as he recovers.

‘So that’s where I am right now. I’m a little under the weather, but not really much,’ he said.

‘I’ve learned now to listen to my body more and not go all out. I’m gonna get it. And I’ll be in top form again soon.’

He also became emotional speaking about his job on the long-running series, in which he’s been in 43 seasons and nearly 4,000 episodes.

‘I still am happy to be able to go work,’ he said.

‘It distracts me. I love acting. I love knowing that I entertain people. And, yeah, I love your support. It means a lot.’

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Initially a guest character who was to last for eight to twelve weeks, Victor has evolved into the soap opera’s leading male figure.

Winning a Daytime Emmy Award in 1998 for his role, Eric is also known for playing John Jacob Astor in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, as well as Hans Dietrich in the 1960s TV series The Rat Patrol, Dr. Charles Forbin in Colossus: The Forbin Project and Dr. Otto Hasslein in Escape from the Planet of the Apes.

The Young and the Restless airs on CBS in the United States.

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‘I’m gonna get it.’