Health experts have highlighted five things every man aged over 60 should know about prostate cancer, following Jeremy Clarkson's revelation of his diagnosis. The former Top Gear host opened up about his aggressive cancer in the latest episodes of his Amazon Prime series Clarkson's Farm.
Jeremy Clarkson's Diagnosis
In the show, Clarkson told farm manager Kaleb Cooper and land agent Charlie Ireland: "I've got cancer. I disappeared off the other week and had a biopsy done and it is cancer, and it's aggressive." In a later episode, he revealed the cancer was in his prostate, adding: "I won't know whether it's worked or not until November probably. You know the prostate? 10% of it is dead… the 10% with the cancer in it."
Key Facts About Prostate Cancer
1. Age is a major risk factor
Amy Rylance, director of health services at Prostate Cancer UK, explains: "Prostate cancer is caused when cells within the prostate mutate and grow too quickly. As we age, mutations happen more frequently, so your risk goes up." Tim Woodman, medical director at Bupa, adds: "Incidence really picks up in your 60s and peaks between 75 and 79." However, younger men can also get the disease, and it may be more aggressive in those cases.
2. You can check your risk online
Prostate Cancer UK offers an online risk checker that considers age, ethnicity, and family history. Rylance notes: "General risk starts at 50, but for black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer or BRCA gene variants, risk starts younger."
3. Early stages often have no symptoms
Woodman says: "The prostate is walnut-sized, and a cancer can be as small as a pea, causing no symptoms initially." However, he urges men to check recurring urinary issues like frequent urination at night, weak stream, difficulty starting or stopping, leakage, or blood in urine or semen. "Don't stick your head in the sand," he warns.
4. No rectal examination needed
Woodman explains that the fear of a rectal exam prevents many men from seeking help. However, this is no longer recommended. Instead, a PSA blood test is the standard first-line investigation. If levels are raised, an MRI scan may follow, then a biopsy if needed. Rylance recommends testing from age 50, or from mid-40s for those with risk factors.
5. It is treatable
Treatment depends on the stage. Slow-growing cancers may only require active surveillance. For localized cancer, focal therapy can target only the cancerous area. If more widespread, surgery or radiotherapy may be needed. For metastatic cancer, chemotherapy or hormone therapy are options, though with more side effects.
