Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas' cancer battles were tough, and it's ongoing.

Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas cancer was one of the key topics at the recent International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies 5th World Congress, last Sunday. July 27 was proclaimed as "World Head and Neck Cancer Day."

For the first time, Catherine was very open about her husband's condition, and confirming she was thankful he's fighting the disease well. Michael was diagnosed with throat cancer, and he was "like a solider that prepared for battle."

"I was a mess. I'll be quite frank, I was a mess. When I'm married to a man who has such a conviction for life... he fights to make the wrongs right. For the first time, he was fighting for his life."

Michael sat with her wife during the event, and his speech was one of the keynotes of the night. The couple spoke to about three thousand doctors Sunday, at the Marriott Marquis in New York.

Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas' cancer was fought a day at a time. "I wholeheartedly support this proclamation." Michael said, in reference to the announcement.

"Generally when I'm on a stage at a prestige event like this I'm accepting some kind of an award, grateful not to walk out of here with another prognosis. As long as nobody tells me to bend over and touch my toes and cough we're all going to be just fine,"

Michael breaks the humor with a serious comment: "In all seriousness and in every sense of the word. I'm very fortunate to be here today." Catherine confirmed the statement, saying "I'm very happy to be here this morning with my husband."

The Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas' cancer story was a difficult one for the couple. Michael was misdiagnosed three times with tongue cancer before throat cancer was confirmed (nydailynews.com).