Suzanne Somers reveals breast cancer has returned: 'I continue to bat it back'

When it comes to her health, Suzanne Somers won't go down without a fight.

Somers, who has previously battled cancer, revealed her breast cancer has returned in a statement to Entertainment Tonight on Monday. "I have been living with cancer since my 20s. And every time (it) pops up, I continue to bat it back," Somers told the outlet. "I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me."

"Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, 'It’s back,' you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war," she continued. "This is familiar battleground for me, and I’m very tough."

The "Three's Company" alum said a "big upside" of her cancer ordeal is that it's strengthened her relationship with husband Alan Hamel over the years. "We have not spent even one day apart in over 42 years," she said.

"My cancer is a disease that affected my whole family, and once it hit me in my 20s, Alan and I got even closer and every moment of every day was precious," Somers said. "My son refers to our relationship as functionally co-dependent. And my incredible family has been unbelievably supportive every step of the way."

Somers previously battled breast cancer in the early 2000s, and the actress received a lumpectomy as part of her treatment for the disease.

In an Instagram post Monday, the 76-year-old reassured her fans that "I’m a fighter."

"I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat (the cancer). This is not new territory for me," Somers wrote alongside a photo of herself and Hamel. "Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you – and I love you!"

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suzanne Somers health: 'Three's Company' star on breast cancer return