Cliff Richard has revealed that he has undergone treatment for prostate cancer over the past year. The 85-year-old singer announced that his cancer is currently in remission and emphasized the importance of national screening tests for men. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Richard stated, “I don’t know whether it’s going to come back. We can’t tell those sorts of things but we need to – absolutely. I’m convinced: get there, get tested, get checked.”
The diagnosis came after a health check related to insurance prior to his concert tour in Australia and New Zealand. Richard expressed relief that the cancer was detected early, noting, “The good fortune was that it was not very old; and the other thing is that it has not metastasised. Nothing had moved into bones or anything like that.”
In his interview, Richard criticized the absence of a national screening program for prostate cancer, calling it “absolutely ridiculous.” He argued that governments should prioritize the health of their citizens, stating, “We all deserve to have the same ability to have a test and then start treatments really early.” He continued, “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.”
Richard’s statements come on the heels of news that King Charles plans to reduce his cancer treatment in the upcoming year. The singer expressed his interest in collaborating with the King to raise awareness about prostate cancer. “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,” he said. “If the king is listening, I think most of us would say: ‘Yeah, we’re available’.”
On November 9, 2023, the UK National Screening Committee announced a draft recommendation for a targeted prostate cancer screening program. If implemented, the program would invite men aged between 45 and 61 who carry a genetic mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes to undergo screening every two years. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive health measures in the face of increasing cancer diagnoses.
Cliff Richard’s openness about his health journey aims to shine a light on the importance of early detection and the necessity for accessible screening programs. His advocacy underscores a broader movement towards improving health outcomes for all men facing similar challenges.
