Martin Sheen - Martin Sheen Likens Charlie's Addiction To Cancer

Martin Sheen, the American actor and father of troubled star Charlie Sheen, says his son's addiction is a form of cancer, reports Sky News.The 'West Wing' star admits it has been painful to watch the 45-year-old become embroiled in a media frenzy over the past few weeks but says he is prepared to support him through his 'addiction'. Charlie is currently receiving rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse at his Los Angeles home after being hospitalised earlier this year. 70-year-old Martin said, "He's an extraordinary man and he's doing well. We pray for him. If he had cancer how would you treat him. This disease of addiction is a form of cancer. You have to have an equal measure of concern and love". The actor says he and his wife Janet Templeton are willing to help their son in his attempt to get clean, adding, "You realise we're not all on the same journey all the time. We have to love that much more. We have to be that much more present".

Martin Sheen is currently in the UK promoting his new movie 'The Way', which also stars Emilio Estevez and James Nesbitt. It was announced this week that Charlie had broken the Guinness World Record after gaining over one-million Twitter followers in less than 24 hours.