Stephen Fry urges other men to get checked
STEPHEN FRY has joined a campaign to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
The comedian, presenter and writer, 61, announced in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with the disease.
The campaign Men, We Are With You, from Prostate Cancer UK, is aimed at encouraging men to realise help is available.
Fry said: “A prostate cancer diagnosis is a scary thing – you never expect it’s going to happen to you.
“Thankfully, mine was caught early enough. Prostate Cancer UK are investing in vital research that will, hopefully, take us that one step closer to finding a screening programme.
“This could help men have a better chance at early diagnosis and give them more time.”
Other celebrities have also made videos.
BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull, comedian Joe Pasquale, former footballer Ray Clemence, former boxer Johnny Nelson and ex-rugby player Ugo Monye have all joined in.
Fry said he has shed more than 5st and he is “very happy” and “proud” for fighting back.
He revealed he weighed almost 21st but said losing weight had boosted his mental health: “I walk a lot and that helps my mood. It’s not a guaranteed help for mental anxiety or anything else but it does help me.”
He told how he “really dodged a bullet” by deciding to undergo surgery for prostate cancer. The actor joined his surgeon Ben Challacombe to describe the realities of robotic surgery.
Mr Challacombe revealed his nerves at operating on a “national treasure” and the fear of something going wrong.
Their “both sides of the scalpel” article in a medical journal gave an extraordinary insight.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in British men and kills 12,000 a year.
Stephen’s story has led to more men having tests.