EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has spoken candidly about his battle with health anxiety and the coping mechanisms he has developed through therapy. The 29-year-old, who plays Jay Brown on the BBC soap, is preparing to run the London Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK, a cause close to his heart after his father, uncle, and cousin were diagnosed with the disease.
Borthwick's father Simon, 57, and his uncle both had prostate cancer detected early and treated successfully, while his cousin is currently undergoing treatment. 'Thankfully, with dad and uncle Charlie it was caught very early. We managed to get it removed and it was all fine,' he said. 'My cousin is having treatment, but it's all looking like it's going to be fine.'
The actor has struggled with health anxiety since his teenage years, describing himself as a 'massive hypochondriac'. 'Every day, I wake up and go, "what's wrong with me today?"' he revealed. He sought therapy for emetophobia, a fear of vomiting, and said the tools he gained have helped him manage his anxiety, though he admits it never fully leaves him.
Borthwick will run the marathon while filming EastEnders, alongside co-star Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell. Their characters are training for the marathon in memory of Jay's late wife Lola, who died from a brain tumour. He said he feels 'lucky' that his family members have recovered, acknowledging that many others are not so fortunate.
Prostate Cancer UK reports that one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease, with higher risk for men over 50, Black men, and those with a family history. Borthwick, who previously suffered from prostatitis, said he will start checks at age 45 due to his increased risk. He urged others to be aware of symptoms such as changes in urination and to seek early detection.
