(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Michael Douglas thinks inheriting his father's "survival instincts" helped him beat cancer.

Michael, 66, was treated for stage four throat cancer last year, and despite still undergoing monthly check-ups, says he's feeling good.

The actor credits his fighting attitude during the illness to his father Kirk, the 94-year-old movie icon, arguing that his inner strength is an inspiration.

"I'm sure that I've inherited some of his willpower and survival instincts. I've also seen him survive a helicopter crash that nearly killed him and then a terrible stroke, which he's fought hard to come back from," Michael told the British edition of OK! magazine.

"It's an inspiration as to what the human spirit can handle. I'm just glad I've been able to become much closer to him in the last 20 years than we ever were when I was growing up and saw him very rarely."

Michael's wife Catherine Zeta-Jones revealed that she had been treated for bipolar II disorder at a psychiatric hospital earlier this year. The 41-year-old had endured a stressful time, with Michael's illness and his son Cameron being sent to jail on drug charges. Michael has praised his wife's bravery and strength, explaining she is doing fine now and has been busy working on comedy Playing The Field, which also stars Jessica Biel and Gerard Butler.

"She's doing fine. She's been back working on her movie in Louisiana and she's feeling great," he beamed.

"Catherine's a very strong woman and she's had a lot to deal with. She's not the type of person to complain she's depressed when her husband is fighting cancer. But obviously it was very stressful for her and she went and sought treatment, and now she's doing well. It shows you how cancer also affects everyone around you." (C) Cover Media