Bill Turnbull raises awareness and saves prostate cancer survivor's life
- Andy Probert, a 52-year-old father, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after he went to his GP following public awareness raised by Bill Turnbull.
- The late broadcaster Bill Turnbull, who passed away in August 2022, had previously shared his own battle with prostate cancer, encouraging men to get checked.
- Probert credits Turnbull's advocacy for saving his life and believes sharing such stories can lead to more men seeking early medical advice.
In the UK, a father and prostate cancer survivor named Andy Probert shared how the late broadcaster Bill Turnbull played a pivotal role in his early diagnosis of the disease. Probert, who is 52 years old, was prompted to get checked after hearing Turnbull discuss his own prostate cancer diagnosis publicly. Turnbull, a beloved figure known for hosting BBC Breakfast, passed away in August 2022, having been diagnosed with the disease four years before his death. Probert made a routine appointment with his general practitioner in September 2022, despite being asymptomatic, which led to further examinations that confirmed his prostate cancer diagnosis by December 2022. Following his diagnosis, Probert decided to undergo surgery to remove his prostate in March 2023. He reported a full recovery afterward and expressed gratitude toward Turnbull for having raised awareness around prostate cancer, emphasizing how critical it is for men to seek medical advice, even if they are not exhibiting symptoms. He noted that many people continue to ignore potential health risks primarily due to a lack of symptoms or awareness. Data from Prostate Cancer UK suggests that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, but many do not get checked in time, leading to late-stage diagnoses that are harder to treat. Probert reflects on the importance of public figures sharing their health struggles, as it can prompt others to take proactive measures regarding their health. The impact of celebrity health disclosures is underscored by a significant increase in awareness following other high-profile announcements, such as Sir Chris Hoy revealing his terminal diagnosis, which led to a surge in NHS searches by nearly eight times for prostate cancer symptoms. The combination of personal stories shared by survivors and the bravery of public figures like Turnbull and Hoy significantly contribute to prompting men to seek appropriate medical attention. Probert, who has young grandchildren, conveyed that without Turnbull's influence, he might not have sought a diagnosis until it was potentially too late, underlining the vital role of awareness in saving lives and preventing advanced-stage diagnoses.