Jeremy Clarkson has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, as revealed in the latest series of Clarkson's Farm. The 66-year-old television presenter shared the news with co-stars Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland during filming for the Amazon Prime Video show.
What Happened?
In footage recorded while preparing for the harvest, Clarkson bluntly told his shocked colleagues: 'I've got cancer.' He explained that the diagnosis came after a medical examination and biopsy. While acknowledging the cancer is 'aggressive,' he reassured that it was caught at a 'really early stage.' Clarkson underwent surgery to remove affected tissue, noting that '10 per cent' of his prostate had been excised.
However, the series finale shows Clarkson speaking from a hospital bed, admitting that 'some of the treatment has gone awry' and that he expects to be sidelined for some time. Prior to the episodes airing, Clarkson posted a video on Instagram warning fans that the finale would be a 'really, really difficult watch.' He added: 'If this is all successful, I'll see you for season six. And if it isn't, I won't.'
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid. According to the NHS, it is most common in men over 50, those with a family history, individuals with certain genetic variations, and men of Black African or African Caribbean heritage. Anyone with a prostate can develop it.
The seriousness of prostate cancer depends on how quickly it grows and whether it spreads. When caught early, it can often be managed effectively, but not all cases require treatment.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In early stages, prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include:
- Difficulty starting to pee or straining to pee
- Weak urine flow
- 'Stop-start' peeing
- Needing to pee urgently or often
- Feeling like you still need to pee after finishing
- Peeing during the night
Additional indicators:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in urine or semen
- Lower back pain and weight loss (may indicate advanced cancer)
When to See a GP
The NHS advises seeing a GP if you have trouble peeing or other symptoms, especially if you are over 40 and have a faulty BRCA2 gene. You can also request a PSA blood test to check for prostate problems, even without symptoms.
Importantly, these symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer; they could be due to benign prostatic enlargement, a common non-cancerous condition. However, if symptoms change or worsen, consult a GP.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Risk increases with age, particularly over 50. Other factors include being of Black African or African Caribbean heritage, having a family history of prostate cancer, or having close relatives with pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancer at a young age. The NHS recommends speaking to a GP if worried, even without symptoms.
