Why would Merv Griffin hide the truth about his health from fans?

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I've always thought Merv Griffin was a genius when it came to producing game shows and other entertaining television. From what I can remember of some of his early shows (which I later saw in repeat for the first time), he always seemed to get along with everyone. People adored and admired his work for years. And, he had many fans. So, I guess I'm at a loss to understand why he would feel it necessary to hide his prostate cancer until his recent death. Do you think perhaps that he felt the entertainment industry would be prejudiced against him because of his illness and try to pack him away to the old folks home, so to speak? Why wouldn't he feel that he could lean on his true fans for emotional support? If someone loves you, aren't they the best people to turn to in a crisis? That's what I thought, anyway. I guess we will never know why he chose to do so. What do you think of his decision?