Real Stories
13 Mar 2018Bill Turnbull reveals prostate cancer diagnosis ahead of Bake Off appearance
The former BBC Breakfast presenter says his cancer has spread to his bones and urges men to get their prostates checked.
RIP Bill Turnbull
January 1956 – August 2022
Classic FM host and former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull has revealed he has advanced prostate cancer.
Ahead of appearing in The Great Celebrity Bake Off last week, the 62-year-old took to Twitter to confirm reports that prostate cancer had spread to his bones and he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden.
I can confirm reports that I was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer last November. I'm receiving excellent treatment including chemotherapy at @royalmarsdenNHS and am immensely grateful for the support I've had from colleagues @ClassicFM, where I continue to work.
— Bill Turnbull (@billtu) March 5, 2018
2/ I am in good spirits and hope to be around for some time yet. Please spare a thought though for the hundreds of people in the UK who will be told today that they have cancer. They are the ones who really need some love. Thank you.
— Bill Turnbull (@billtu) March 5, 2018
Bill said he was diagnosed at the end of last year after experiencing long-term aches and pains that he'd put down to old age.
Having had a PSA test at aged 40 and 50, the father-of-three said he was cross with himself for not visiting a GP in four years, when it could have been caught earlier. Now he's urging others to get tested.
Totally overwhelmed by the love I've had on here today, and deeply moved - to tears on occasion (well I am a bit of a softy). Thank you so much to everyone who's been in touch, it really means a lot. Watch Celeb Bakeoff 8pm, support @StandUp2C - and guys, think of getting tested!
— Bill Turnbull (@billtu) March 6, 2018
Thank you, Bill, for having the courage to share your story and help us make more people aware of the UK's biggest cancer killer of men.
Anyone with any concerns can speak to our Specialist Nurses on 0800 084 8383 or you can email and live chat them too.