Sir Tony Robinson, the veteran actor best known for playing Baldrick in the BBC sitcom Blackadder, has disclosed that he has been living with prostate cancer for nearly 15 years. In a candid interview, the 79-year-old urged men to overcome embarrassment and seek modern testing, which has evolved significantly from older, more invasive methods.
Living with Cancer for 14 Years
Speaking on the podcast A Night In With Sally Lindsay, Robinson stated: "I've been living with prostate cancer for 13 or 14 years now, and it's always been fine, but I do have these checks." He undergoes regular MRI scans to monitor the disease, comparing them to health screenings actors must complete before taking on new projects.
Outdated Fears and Modern Testing
Robinson addressed the stigma that prevents many men from seeking prostate examinations, noting that many still fear the traditional digital rectal exam. He said: "The problem has always been that blokes think that if they are threatened with prostate cancer, they are going to have the doctor's finger up their bum." However, he revealed that he only recently learned that this method is no longer standard. "I only knew about a year ago that doctors don't use that check anymore," he explained. Today, prostate cancer is diagnosed through PSA blood tests and MRI scans, with biopsies performed only if necessary.
Campaigning for Awareness
Robinson's personal lack of awareness about updated testing methods spurred him to action. He contacted the prostate society to arrange appearances on local radio stations to spread the word. He said: "I thought... well, I've always been campaigning for more awareness, if I don't know that, and so many men are disturbed by that idea, then I wanna get out there." He emphasized the seriousness of the disease: "It's such a vile disease. If it really gets going, the idea of being, 'Oh, I don't want anyone messing there', it's foolish - it's not being grown up and foolish, it's madness."
NHS Guidelines and Symptoms
According to the NHS, prostate cancer predominantly affects men over 50 and often develops without early symptoms. Warning signs include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent nighttime urination, erectile dysfunction, and unexplained weight loss. Treatment options range from surgery and radiotherapy to hormone therapy and chemotherapy, though some cases may only require regular monitoring. Most patients now receive MRI scans every two years as standard practice.
