Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has publicly revealed his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, delivering a powerful message about the critical importance of early testing.
A Shocking Diagnosis After Routine Check
The 56-year-old ex-Newcastle United, West Ham, and Portsmouth player disclosed that his journey began roughly 18 months ago during his annual physical. Hislop insisted on a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, as is his habit, and discovered his levels were elevated. Subsequent medical investigations, including an MRI and a biopsy, confirmed he had developed what doctors described as a "fairly aggressive" form of prostate cancer.
"A year ago, almost to the day, 6 December to be exact, I had a radical prostatectomy, and I thought that was it," Hislop explained in a candid video posted on Instagram. This initial surgery aimed to remove the cancer entirely.
The Cancer's Spread and Ongoing Treatment
However, the former Trinidad and Tobago international's fight was far from over. Six months after the operation, follow-up tests showed his PSA levels were rising again. A further scan delivered devastating news: the cancer had spread to his pelvic bone.
Hislop promptly began a new course of medication and has just completed an intensive seven-and-a-half-week regimen of radiation therapy. "The journey continues," he stated, acknowledging the persistent nature of his treatment.
A Vital Plea for Proactive Health Checks
Hislop's experience has led him to become a vocal advocate for prostate cancer awareness. He strongly urges all men to be proactive about their health, particularly in light of recent UK guidance. Last week, the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) advised against making routine prostate cancer screening available for most men.
Countering this, Hislop emphasised: "Doctors recommend that all men over the age of 50 get their PSA checked regularly. If you’re of African descent, that age drops to 40. If you’re somewhere like the UK or somewhere else where PSA tests aren’t encouraged, you have got to insist."
He also addressed a common misconception, revealing that genetic testing showed no family history of the disease in his case. "The highest rate of prostate cancer mortality is in Caribbean men," he noted, making a direct appeal to his community. "Please, go get tested, know your PSA, track its history. Prostate cancer is survivable if caught early enough. Testing saves lives. It saved mine."
