Author Jeffrey Archer used his appearance on BBC Breakfast to urge viewers to get their PSA levels checked, sharing an update on his health more than a decade after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 83-year-old spoke to BBC host Jon Kay ahead of the release of his final novel, Adam & Eve, due out at the start of October. The book coincides with the 50th anniversary of his writing career.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment
Archer was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, after a routine blood test revealed a slightly high Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level. A biopsy confirmed the former MP had cancer, leading to a four-hour operation to remove his prostate and the cancer.
In the past, writing in The Mail on Sunday about the operation, Archer described it as though he "became a baby again" and had to wear "large nappies".
Urgent plea to viewers
During the conversation, Jon Kay referenced Archer's honest discussions about the mental and physical effects of his treatment, noting that BBC Breakfast has heard from many people with similar experiences, including Sir Chris Hoy.
Calling Sir Chris Hoy a "great man", Archer said: "I've been very aware of how lucky I am. I say to anybody listening, go to your doctor and check your PSA. There are too many stupid men who say, 'Oh no, I'm a macho guy, I don't do that sort of thing, I won't be checking my PSA'. Check your PSA."
Health update and retirement plans
Asked how he is doing, Archer told the presenter he is fine, then got up from his chair and sat back down with ease. Telling Kay he is 86, he joked that the action was one of his "big exercises of the day".
When Kay laughed, Archer remarked: "Don't laugh, Jon, it'll come to you!"
Later in the interview, Jon asked what retirement looks like for the author, who has decided to step away from writing. Archer replied: "I shall not be retiring, you clearly haven't been listening to a word that's said to you, Jon."
When the presenter clarified he meant semi-retiring, especially from novel writing, Archer confessed he hadn't thought of it that way, saying: "You've caught me, Jon. I'll be pathetic."
Kay suggested this might not be his last novel, telling Archer he believed he would return to it. Archer responded: "No, sir. But, you can interview me when I do."
BBC Breakfast continues weekdays on BBC One from 6am.
