BBC presenter Nick Owen has shared an emotional update on his prostate cancer journey, describing the day of his diagnosis as the 'worst day of his life'. The 77-year-old former TV-am host was diagnosed with 'extensive' and 'aggressive' prostate cancer in April 2023, following a routine blood test that showed elevated PSA levels.
Speaking to The Mirror, Owen expressed gratitude for his current health, saying: 'I'm still thriving, I'm still grateful. I'm feeling pretty well and glad to be where I am now. Hopefully I'm cancer free. I'm a lucky boy.' He revealed that 'hundreds' of men have contacted him, saying his public disclosure encouraged them to get tested, leading to early detection of their own cancers.
Owen recounted one man from his village who, after hearing his story, took a PSA test and was diagnosed with prostate cancer despite having no symptoms. 'It's constant. It's happened hundreds of times. It's breathtaking and emotional. I'm glad some good has come out of this,' Owen said.
The presenter also spoke about the difficulty of telling his four adult children about his diagnosis, particularly his three sons, due to the hereditary nature of the disease. He urged men to get tested early, saying: 'If you have got any hint of a worry, get someone to look at it.'
Owen's diagnosis came just weeks after his former TV-am co-presenter Anne Diamond revealed she was battling breast cancer. The pair previously hosted the BBC programme Good Morning With Anne And Nick in the 1990s.
