"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" star Andy Whitfield has been diagnosed with cancer. During a routine check-up before beginning work on the second season of the Starz show, a doctor noticed the first stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Since the cancer was found so early, both the actor and his doctors are confident they will be able to treat and beat the disease.

He says, "I'm receiving excellent care, and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me."

Production of the second season of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" has since been put on hold.

Andy Whitfield Pictures