Stephen Fry is a much loved comedian, actor and writer who has been a mainstay of British television over the years. Stephen shocked fans a couple of years back after he publicly addressed his battle with prostate cancer. The comedian had his prostate removed after being diagnosed in December 2017 and is still undergoing radiotherapy.
Last month, Stephen, who has previously described his decision to have surgery as “dodging a bullet”, urged men to get proactive with prostate cancer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: “It’s really important, and I do get a bit evangelical about asking men of a certain age next time they see a doctor, especially in the time of covid, to check.
“If they’re going to have a blood test then check for PSAs, as they’re called.
“These are little indicators in the blood that might show there is a chance that something is going on down in the prostate area.”
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Stephen drilled home the importance of getting tested by highlighting the sobering reality that anyone can be affected.
How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 47,500 men diagnosed with it every year.
According to the NHS, it usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years.
“Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra),” explains the health body.
Your risk of prostate cancer is higher if you have a close relative, such as a brother or father, who has had prostate cancer, says the charity.
“Some inherited genes can increase your risk of prostate cancer. These inherited genes are rare and account for only a small number of prostate cancers,” it explains.
Being overweight or obese also increases your risk of advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers have found a link between being obese or overweight and cancers being higher grade (faster growing).