Veteran comedian Tommy Cannon has delivered a heartfelt update on his prostate cancer journey, sharing the profound fear he felt upon diagnosis and urging men nationwide to prioritise testing. The 87-year-old entertainer, best known as one half of the iconic duo Cannon and Ball, revealed he has lived with the condition under active surveillance for over two decades, describing the initial news as leaving him "frightened to death."
A Shocking Diagnosis and Decades of Vigilance
Cannon recounted his diagnosis experience to the Press Association, explaining that after an initial blood test and biopsy came back clear, a follow-up test years later delivered the devastating result. "The first time I had a blood test and a biopsy, and that was all clear," he said. "Then a few years later, they called me back in just to repeat the test and this time it was cancer, which absolutely frightened me to death. I didn't know whether I was coming or going to be honest."
The comedian also recalled a particularly distressing moment during an MRI scan when the machine "broke down," leaving him "absolutely panic ridden" before being referred to a specialist. Since then, he has been on active surveillance, a method Prostate Cancer UK describes as monitoring localised early prostate cancer through regular testing rather than immediate treatment.
"Still Here, Still Kicking and Doing OK"
Despite the diagnosis, Cannon remains optimistic about his health. "Luckily for me, the levels have been under the radar for treatment for all these years. I'm now 87 and I'm feeling good," he shared, adding, "But just a mere mention of cancer is enough to frighten anybody." He expressed gratitude for his continued wellbeing, stating, "Luckily, thank the Lord, I'm still here, still kicking and doing OK."
Cannon emphasised the crucial importance of early detection, issuing a direct plea to men across the country. "Anybody, any man out there, should go for a test without a shadow of a doubt because it's life-saving," he insisted. "All I can say is, anybody who's over the age of 50 and you've never been tested for prostate cancer, go and do it. I'm telling you, you'll be relieved when they say, 'No, everything's fine, all right'. Even if you've got it, if you catch it early enough, it can be stopped."
Family Support and Continuing Legacy
The comedian credited his wife, Hazel Winman, for her unwavering support throughout his health journey, calling her "amazing" and "strong." "I've got a great family. I've got a great family life. I'm a very lucky man," he reflected. While acknowledging the cancer remains "in the back of my mind," he admitted, "very rarely do I even think about it to be honest."
Despite his age and health challenges, Cannon remains active in the entertainment industry, performing across the country and honouring the memory of his late comedy partner Bobby Ball. "I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't go out and work," he said, expressing his desire to "keep his [Bobby Ball's] memory alive." The duo met as welders in Oldham in the 1960s, rising to fame after an appearance on ITV's Opportunity Knocks in 1968, with Ball tragically passing away in 2020 at 76 after contracting Covid.
The Importance of Prostate Cancer Awareness
Prostate cancer represents the most common cancer among men in the United Kingdom, with statistics showing one in eight men will receive a diagnosis during their lifetime. The risk increases significantly for:
- Men over the age of 50
- Those of Black ethnicity
- Individuals with a family history of the disease
While the condition often develops slowly with no initial symptoms, the NHS advises that warning signs can include:
- An increased need to urinate
- Straining during urination
- A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
Through his candid sharing, Tommy Cannon joins Prostate Cancer UK in raising vital awareness about this prevalent health issue, using his personal experience to encourage proactive testing and early intervention that can save lives.
