Former PM David Cameron reveals he had prostate cancer

Former PM David Cameron reveals he had prostate cancer

David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has disclosed that he underwent treatment for prostate cancer. At 59 years old, Lord Cameron shared with The Times that his wife encouraged him to get checked after being motivated by a BBC radio interview featuring entrepreneur Nick Jones. Jones, who was himself diagnosed with the disease, has actively advocated for increased testing among men.

Earlier this year, Lord Cameron underwent a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures protein levels linked to prostate cancer. Following a high PSA result, he then had an MRI scan and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. His treatment involved focal therapy, a technique that focuses ultrasound waves on the tumor to eradicate cancerous cells in the affected area.

Prostate cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 55,000 new cases annually. The illness is more prevalent in older men, especially those over 75, and occurs less commonly in individuals under 50. Additionally, the risk is higher among black men. Lord Cameron has expressed his intention to use his public profile to back calls from the charity Prostate Cancer Research, which counts Nick Jones as a trustee, for providing screening to those considered at high risk.

Speaking about his experience, Lord Cameron acknowledged the reluctance many men have when it comes to discussing health matters. He said, “I don’t particularly like discussing my personal intimate health issues, but I feel I ought to,” and added, “Let’s be honest. Men are not very good at talking about their health. We tend to put things off.” Reflecting on his decision to speak out, he explained, “I sort of thought, well, this has happened to you, and you should lend your voice to it.” Despite the absence of a national screening program for prostate cancer in the UK due to concerns surrounding PSA test reliability, a major trial aiming to establish the most effective detection method has recently commenced. Prostate Cancer UK reports that about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, with the disease having surpassed breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More