Reform UK's leader in Scotland, Malcolm Offord, has revealed he was diagnosed with cancer on the day of the Holyrood election. The West Scotland MSP has since undergone an operation to remove his prostate and urged other men to get checked.
Offord opened up about his diagnosis during an Edinburgh Fringe interview with comedian Matt Forde, who noted that he was wearing a hospital wristband.
Diagnosis on Election Day
Offord said: “I had a procedure last Wednesday to remove my prostate, so I am now clear.”
“I went in yesterday to get the catheter bag removed and I was told to keep the band on for 24 hours, but I am feeling pretty good so I think I will take it off at the end of the show.”
He said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer on May 7, the day of the Holyrood election, which he said was the “weirdest thing”.
Recovery and Advice
Offord was asked if cancer was more painful than having to deal with first minister’s questions. He said: “The prostate is out and gone and I can move on, but I still have five more years of FMQs.”
“It is routine - I am 61 and it happens in a lot of men my age. “But the good news is that medics are all over this, they know how to fix it.”
“There is plenty of life after, so you need to get checked - every male in the room knows they need to get checked.”
