Matt Damon's father 'battling cancer'

Matt Damon has expressed his gratitude to doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital for providing treatment to his father Kent, who is battling the rare blood cancer multiple myeloma.

The Hereafter actor returned to his homestate earlier this week to speak personally at the hospital's One Hundred Celebration fundraiser, reports People.

"My family is so grateful for the care you've given us," he said. "It's deeply humbling to see how many people here are committing their lives to helping others.

"We've lost some close personal friends to cancer in recent years, but I never thought it would happen to my dad, the marathon runner. It sucked."

Kent is currently in remission and hopes to make a full recovery from the illness.

Damon recently chose a script by writer Matthew Aldrich as his directorial debut for Warner Bros Pictures.