Author and former MP Jeffrey Archer appeared on BBC Breakfast with presenter Jon Kay to discuss his final novel and his prostate cancer diagnosis. The 86-year-old's final novel will mark 50 years since his writing debut.
As the duo spoke about the book, the conversation turned to Jeffrey's prostate cancer, which he was diagnosed with back in 2013. Jon highlighted how 'honest' Jeffrey has been in the past about the impact cancer had on him both mentally and physically.
Urgent plea to viewers
The author and former MP confessed he was aware of how 'lucky' he had been in terms of his cancer journey before issuing an urgent plea to viewers. He told people watching to go to their doctor and get their PSA checked, reports the Mirror.
Jeffrey discovered his cancer after undergoing a routine blood test, which showed slightly high levels of PSA. It resulted in him having a biopsy, which later confirmed he had cancer.
Speaking to Jon, he explained that there are many men who won't go and get their PSA checked, before urging people once again. As Jon enquired about Jeffrey's current well-being, he had a three-word remark, telling the BBC star he was doing well.
Health update and surgery
He told Jon he was doing fine before getting up from his chair and sitting back down again, explaining that was one of his 'big exercises of the day' at the age of 86. While the BBC star laughed, he told Jon not to, as it'll 'come to him'.
In the past, the former MP detailed undergoing a four-hour surgery to remove the whole prostate and the cancer. Writing in The Mail on Sunday about the operation in the past, Jeffrey described it as though he 'became a baby again' and had to wear 'large nappies'.
Final novel
It was announced earlier this year that Jeffrey would be publishing his final novel in the autumn, as it tells a story of tested love and loyalty during the war. The author's last novel will coincide with his 50-year debut.
Speaking about his book in the past, Jeffrey said: 'When I came across the idea for this novel a few years ago, I knew it was bigger in scope than anything I'd done before, and I accepted that the research alone would be more demanding than anything I'd tackled in the past. When I finally started writing, I could not stop until it was complete, and, at my age, I might as well stop now. I believe this to be the most powerful story I have ever told, and my hope is that readers will agree. I certainly loved writing it.'
BBC Breakfast is available to watch on BBC One weekdays from 6am.
