LONDON — Sir Cliff Richard has revealed he has been treated for prostate cancer for the past year, saying the disease is “gone at the moment” and urging the U.K. government to introduce a national screening program for men.
Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the 85-year-old singer said he learned of the diagnosis during health checks for insurance ahead of a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand. “I don’t know whether it’s going to come back. We can’t tell those sort of things but we need to, absolutely, I’m convinced, get there, get tested, get checked,” he said.
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Richard, one of Britain’s best-selling artists with hits including “The Young Ones,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore” and “Summer Holiday,” described the lack of a national screening program as “absolutely ridiculous.”
“We have governments to look after our country and those who live in that country, so I can’t see how you can say, ‘Oh we can do this, we can do that, but we don’t do this for these people,’” he said. “We all deserve to have the same ability to have a test and then start treatments really early.”
The entertainer said the experience of the last year had sharpened his view that early detection must be easier and more widely available. “It seems to me — I’ve only been for one year now in touch with cancer, but every time I’ve talked with anybody this has come up and so I think our Government must listen to us,” he said.
Richard also signaled he is ready to team up with King Charles to champion awareness and screening. The monarch, who disclosed his own cancer diagnosis earlier this year, said last week his treatment would be reduced in the new year.
“I’ve been involved with many charities over the years and if the King is happy to front it for us, I’m sure loads of people, I certainly would join him,” Richard said. “If the King is listening, I think most of us would say ‘yeah — we’re available.’”
The revelation adds a prominent voice to a long-running debate over how best to improve men’s access to prostate cancer testing and diagnosis. While Richard did not disclose specific details of his treatment, he emphasized his current outlook was positive and centered on encouraging men to seek checks. “Get there, get tested, get checked,” he repeated.
Richard’s remarks were broadcast Monday on Good Morning Britain. The veteran performer, who has spent more than six decades at the top of the British charts, is continuing to advocate for earlier detection following his return to touring.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
