Sir Stephen Fry previously opened up about his cancer battle, admitting that the diagnosis “came out of the blue”.
The National Treasure, 68, has been a regular on TV screens for years from stints on Celebrity Traitors to QI, Stephen – who is on Saturday Kitchen today (October 25) – has kept himself busy.
However, back in 2018, he bravely shared his battle with prostate cancer.
Stephen Fry’s cancer battle
In 2018, Stephen revealed in a 13-minute video on his website that he had been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
Stephen shared that he was diagnosed after a routine health check found he had a high PSA (prostate specific antigen) level. As a result, he underwent surgery in January 2018 and said “it all seemed to go pretty well”.
Describing the cancer as “aggressive”, Stephen noted that it “doesn’t seem” to have spread. He went on to praise his “darling, darling husband” Elliott Spencer, who had been “just marvellous”.
Stephen continued: “Here’s hoping I’ve got another few years left on this planet because I enjoy life at the moment and that’s a marvellous thing to be able to say, and I’d rather it didn’t go away.”
‘You don’t think it’s going to happen to you’
Talking about having to get used to the idea of the diagnosis, Stephen shared: “I went around saying to myself: ‘I’ve got cancer. Good heavens, Stephen, you’re not the sort of person who gets cancer.’
“I know it’s an old cliche but you don’t think it’s going to happen to you.”
He then urged other men to get their PSA levels checked with a doctor. Stephen said: “I generally felt my life was saved by this early intervention, so I would urge any of you men of a certain age to get your PSA levels checked.”
Stephen on his ‘very aggressive cancer’
In 2021, Stephen also reflected on his cancer battle when talking in a film for the NHS.
“My prostate cancer diagnosis came out of the blue. I was getting a flu jab, and my doctor suggested we run a full check-up; then after a PSA blood test and an MRI scan. I got the unwelcome news nobody wants,” he said.
Stephen went on: “Luckily, despite my cancer being very aggressive, they found it early enough to get rid of it. And that was essentially down to a chance conversation with my GP.
“With prostate cancer, I now know you can’t leave anything to chance. It’s reassuring to hear about scientific research that will give men more certainty of a long life, instead of guessing or hoping – especially for men with aggressive cancer like mine.
“I urge every man to find out your risk of getting prostate cancer today. Don’t leave it to luck!”
Watch Stephen on Saturday Kitchen on Saturday (October 25) at 10:00am on BBC One.
Read more: Why Celebrity Traitors star Stephen Fry went to prison: ‘Eventually, I was caught’
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