NICE’s rejection of olaparib lets down men across the UK

Bill Turnbull was a greatly-respected broadcasting giant. Easing us into the day on the BBC Breakfast sofa for 15 years, as well as presenting Classic FM, Songs of Praise and much more. As a younger journalist he reported for the BBC in more than 30 countries, covering the Monica Lewinsky scandal, the OJ Simpson trial and hurricanes in Florida. As well conflicts in eastern Europe, Russia and Romania.

Watching and listening to Bill was the perfect way to wake up and get up to speed with the world. After he went public with news of his prostate cancer in 2018, he was selfless with his time, defying his own diagnosis to undertake interviews, support our campaigns, and inspire so many others affected by the most common cancer in men.

Sadly, for Bill his prostate cancer diagnosis came too late, but we know his work with us has saved many lives. For that we will be forever grateful. Our thoughts are with his wife Sesi and all the family at this time. Today, they shared this statement:

Working to make olaparib available more widely

Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, after experiencing long-term aches and pains that he'd put down to old age. Because he had a PSA test aged 40 and 50, he said he was cross with himself for not visiting a GP in four years, when it could have been caught earlier.

Bill’s bravery in speaking so candidly about his experience continues to help men across the country understand more about the disease and their risk. His story, and his public support of Prostate Cancer UK has also been key in highlighting the need for a screening programme to help make sure more men have their cancer caught early.

Thank you Bill, for your friendship, your generosity, and everything you’ve done for men across the UK. We’ll miss you.

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