Prostate Cancer UK has expressed gratitude to Jeremy Clarkson after he disclosed his early-stage but aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis on the latest season of Clarkson's Farm. The presenter's revelation has prompted a vital warning for men across the United Kingdom.
Emotional Episode of Clarkson's Farm
In season five of the popular Prime Video series, Clarkson shared the difficult health update with his co-stars, leaving farmhand Kaleb Cooper in tears. The episode captured the moment the 66-year-old told farm manager Charlie Ireland and Kaleb about his diagnosis during a discussion about the harvest.
Clarkson stated: "I've got cancer. I've known since May. I had a medical, you remember back in May. I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy and it is cancer and it's aggressive, but it's really early so the treatment will be, you know."
Charity Response
Chiara De Biase, Fundraising and Health Strategy Director for Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We want to thank Jeremy for sharing his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment in Clarkson's Farm, raising vital awareness with the millions of men and families watching.
"Thankfully he found the disease at an early stage, but sadly this is still not the experience of many men across the UK. Over 10,000 dads, brothers, sons and friends are diagnosed too late for a cure every year, and today the responsibility to know if you're at higher risk and to act on it rests entirely on men's shoulders. This must change."
She continued: "The Government took an important step forward recently in doubling its support for Prostate Cancer UK's TRANSFORM screening trial, allowing us to reach tens of thousands more Black men and generate the vital evidence to ensure those at highest risk are diagnosed earlier.
"In years to come the trial will find the safest and most effective way to screen all men for prostate cancer, but right now prostate cancer remains the most common cancer without a screening programme.
"Any men worried by Jeremy's story should take our 30 second online risk checker or have a chat with their GP about a quick and simple blood test to check for any signs."
Clarkson's Health Journey
After his initial procedure, Clarkson told Kaleb that "10 per cent" of his prostate had been removed via ultrasound. He explained: "The prostate, 10 per cent of it's dead. The 10 per cent where the cancer is."
Reflecting on the previous 12 months, he said: "So we started the year and I had coronary heart disease and ended it with me with cancer. We can dwell as much as we like on all the bad things that have happened on the farm but I think it is better now at the end of the year to focus on things that have happened that are good."
He mentioned attending for blood tests and added hopefully: "Come on cheer up, it probably did work."
Emotional Farewell
In episode eight, Kaleb made an emotional confession during harvesting: "I'm missing hearing Jeremy's voice over the radio. It's going to sound really soppy and everything. I don't miss his skill. I miss him as a friend doing this together, this is our thing."
The series ended with Clarkson stating: "So we started season five with me in a hospital bed and we are at the end of season five and I'm back in a hospital bed. What I wanted to say was if this is all successful I'll see you for season six and if it isn't I won't. Take care everyone."
Before the final episodes were released, Clarkson posted on Instagram to caution viewers that the instalments would prove a "difficult watch".
Prostate Cancer UK is the largest funder of prostate cancer research in the country and can be reached on their support number 0800 074 8383. Clarkson's Farm is available to watch now on Prime Video.
