Sir Cliff Richard has shared that he was treated for prostate cancer in the past year.
The 85-year-old singer revealed his cancer news during an interview on Good Morning Britain on Monday (December 15).
However, Sir Cliff confirmed that the disease was caught early thanks to medical checks, before he headed on tour.
Sir Cliff Richard shares cancer news
On Monday (December 15) Cliff appeared on Good Morning Britain, and took part in a pre-recorded interview with Dermot Murnaghan – who himself is being treated for stage 4 prostate cancer at the moment.
Although Cliff said his cancer had “gone at the moment” he admitted: “I don’t know whether it’s going to come back.” He added: “We can’t tell those sorts of things but we need to, absolutely, I’m convinced, get there, get tested, get checked.”
Opening up about his cancer diagnosis, he said: “I was about to embark on a tour which in fact ended this time at the Royal Albert Hall. But I was going to Australia and to New Zealand and the promoter said, ‘Well we need for your insurance, you need to be checked up for something.’ They found that I had prostate cancer.
“But 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.”
‘I don’t know whether it’s going to come back’
Sir Cliff continued: “The cancer’s gone at the moment. 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 then discussed how important it is for men to get tested early. Sir Cliff explained: “I think we as men have got to start saying it. We’ve got to be seen as human beings who may die of this thing.”
Dermot also said: “Prostate cancer, we should put out there, is the most prevalent cancer amongst men and the biggest cancer killer of men. There is no national screening programme.”
Cliff’s fans rally round
Sir Cliff then spoke about the recent decision not to approve a national screening programme. He said: “I think it’s 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.
“We all deserve to have the same ability to have a test and then start treatments really early. 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.”
Following Cliff’s cancer news, fans online quickly rallied around the singing superstar with support. On Facebook, one person said: “What a legend he is and still did a world tour afterwards. So very glad he’s got the all clear love you forever Cliff.”
Someone else added: “Aw dear. My stomach is churning hearing this news about Cliff who has gone through his cancer treatment silently. So pleased he is cancer free, god bless you Cliff.”
A third also wrote: “Glad they’ll clear it, you’re a true legend Sir Cliff, keep fighting.”
Good Morning Britain weekdays from 6am on ITV1, ITVX, STV & STV Player
Read more: Sue Barker on ‘frustrating’ reason she wishes she’d never ‘gone near’ near Cliff Richard
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