Ian McKellen has prostate cancer, report says

Ian McKellen attends "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" New York premiere benefiting AFI at Ziegfeld Theater on Dec. 6, 2012, in New York. / Dave Kotinsky/Getty

Actor Ian McKellen told the U.K.'s Daily Mirror in an article published on Tuesday that he's had prostate cancer for the last six or seven years, but that it is "contained."

"I've had prostate cancer for six or seven years," "The Hobbit" actor told the paper. "When you have got it you monitor it and you have to be careful it doesn't spread. But if it is contained in the prostate it's no big deal."

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The 73-year-old British actor said he goes to get check-ups frequently but so far it has remained contained.

"Many, many men die from it but it's one of the cancers that is totally treatable," he said. "I am examined regularly and it's just contained, it's not spreading. I've not had any treatment."

McKellen's latest film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" hits theaters Friday.