BBC Radio 2 icon Bob Harris, affectionately known as 'Whispering' Bob, has been admitted to hospital as he continues his long-standing battle with prostate cancer. The 79-year-old legendary DJ, diagnosed in 2007, shared a heartfelt update from his hospital bed via Instagram on Thursday, smiling bravely and expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of his family during what he described as an "unexpectedly testing time."
Health Update and Treatment Details
In his social media post, Harris revealed he is undergoing treatment for an issue that had been developing over recent weeks, directly linked to his prostate cancer. While he did not specify the exact nature of the complication, he assured fans that his condition is being managed with advanced medical technology. He wrote, "Here I am in hospital taking short time away from my programmes on @bbcradio2 for treatment of an issue that has been building for the past few weeks."
Harris emphasised that such setbacks are part of living with cancer, stating, "As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments." He confirmed that pre-recorded shows, including a special 80th birthday celebration edition of Sounds of the 70s, are set to air, with colleagues Darius Rucker and Shaun Keaveny temporarily filling in for his regular slots.
Support from Family and Colleagues
The broadcaster highlighted the immense support he has received, noting, "I am so blessed to have the love of my family and the support of my friends who have rallied round me." He also praised his manager, Nick Canham, and the entire BBC Radio 2 team for their backing. This hospitalisation follows an emotional update last October, when Harris shared feelings of being "very low" due to treatment side effects, prompting an outpouring of support from BBC colleagues like Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, Dermot O'Leary, and Sara Cox.
Long-Term Battle and Advocacy
Bob Harris has been living with prostate cancer for over 17 years, often speaking openly about his journey. Two years ago, he urged men over 50 to get checked, stating, "My massive advice to any male over 50 reading this is GET YOURSELF CHECKED if you haven't already. The blood test only takes seconds and it could save your life!" He credits early detection for his ability to manage the disease, adding, "I count every day as a blessing."
His career spans more than five decades with the BBC, earning him an OBE in 2011 for services to broadcasting. In 2019, he faced another health scare when he ruptured his aorta while walking, but recovered and returned to air. Despite the current hospital stay, Harris remains optimistic, vowing, "I know that I will come back… and come back stronger. I hate missing programmes and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can."
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly in the UK where it kills over 11,800 men annually—approximately one every 45 minutes. It is the third most deadly cancer in Britain, after lung and bowel cancer. Each year, more than 52,300 men are diagnosed, equating to over 140 new cases daily.
The disease often develops slowly, with many men showing no symptoms for years. Early detection through PSA blood tests is crucial, though these tests can be unreliable, leading to challenges in distinguishing between aggressive and less serious tumours. Risk factors include age, obesity, and lack of exercise. For those concerned, Prostate Cancer UK offers support via their helpline at 0800 074 8383 or online at prostatecanceruk.org.
Bob Harris's resilience and advocacy continue to inspire, as he navigates this latest health challenge with the support of his loved ones and the broadcasting community.
