Jeremy Clarkson has shared that he has been diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of prostate cancer. The 66-year-old presenter revealed the news to his Clarkson’s Farm co-stars, explaining that the cancer was caught after he underwent tests. He said the diagnosis was made at a 'really early stage'.
'If I hadn't have got myself checked out and they hadn’t caught the problem early, this could well have been my last harvest,' said Clarkson. He also shared that part of his prostate was removed during treatment, adding that he has every hope of making a recovery.
According to radiation oncologist Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director of the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, conversations between family members can play an important role in encouraging men to get checked and helping to catch cancer early.
'We know talking about personal health issues can be difficult for many men, but it is so important,' says Dr Kubes.
He explains that men with a family history, or those who are worried about prostate cancer, can speak to their GP about a PSA test, which measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. While the test is not perfect, it can help detect abnormalities and support earlier diagnosis.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Every Man Should Know
Prostate cancer does not always cause symptoms, particularly in the early stages. But one of the key symptoms to be aware of is changes in urination.
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'If you're finding you need to wee more frequently, or you're getting up often during the night, you need to investigate the cause,' says Dr Kubes.
Other changes can include hesitancy when trying to pee, straining, taking longer than usual, a weak flow, or feeling as though the bladder has not fully emptied. These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer, but they should be discussed with a GP.
Blood in Your Urine Should Never be Ignored
It is also important to be aware of any blood in your urine. Also known as haematuria, it can be linked to cancers of the prostate, bladder or kidneys, and should not be ignored.
'If you notice blood in your urine even once, don't wait for it to happen again. Once is enough to make an appointment with your GP,' says Dr Kubes.
Men can be more reluctant to seek medical advice, which means symptoms are sometimes brushed off or left unchecked. A recent ONS Health Insight Survey found that 33.5% of men had tried to contact their GP practice for themselves or someone in their household in the previous 28 days, compared with 45.8% of women.
The Bottom Line
Dr Kubes says open conversations can help give men the nudge they need to seek advice earlier, especially if they have been putting off a symptom or health concern.
As with any cancer, early diagnosis can make a significant difference. If you notice changes when peeing, blood in your urine, or have concerns about your prostate cancer risk, speak to your GP as soon as possible.
Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.
