How Jeremy Clarkson’s diagnosis sparked a national conversation and led Stephen to share his own story

When Jeremy Clarkson shared his prostate cancer diagnosis, hundreds of thousands of people were suddenly talking about a disease that’s too often talked about too late.

And the response was immediate.

On the day of his announcement alone, an incredible 16,749 men took our online risk checker – the highest single-day total in 2026 so far, and a 1,284% increase on the daily average! In addition, more than 43,000 people visited our website, as thousands of dads, grandads, brothers and mates, took the next step to potentially give themselves more special moments with their loved ones.

Making our voice heard

But awareness only saves lives if people know what to do next.

That’s why, as the story continued to make headlines, our experts and dedicated supporters worked to make sure those conversations were backed by facts about prostate cancer, as well as important messages about risk and early detection.

As part of this, Amy Rylance, our Director of Health Services, Equity and Improvement spoke to the BBC One O’Clock News, while Nick Ridgman, our Head of Support Services appeared on Sky News and Times Radio.

We featured in around 30% of all media coverage linked to Jeremy’s announcement, with Prostate Cancer UK appearing in more than 260 pieces across TV, radio, print and online.

Speaking to Times Radio, Nick expressed his thanks to Jeremy for speaking openly about his diagnosis and highlighting the importance of knowing your risk. As Nick explained, prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages but is most treatable when caught early, so awareness and understanding of risk is key.

Jeremy is now thankfully in remission and credits early detection with saving his life. Taking to his Instagram to share the positive news, he also urged everyone to “please, please, please go and get checked.”

He added, "it's not uncomfortable, it's not undignified, and it's a no-brainer. I did, and that's why I'm sitting here talking to you 11 months down the line."

Stephen's story

Following the news, one of the people helping to keep these conversations going was our supporter, Stephen Dalziel.

Stephen appeared on This Morning to share how his wife saved his life by helping him catch his prostate cancer.

More than four years ago, Stephen had no symptoms of prostate cancer other than needing to wee a bit more often – which is also a symptom of many non-cancerous prostate conditions. Like many men, he had never even heard of a PSA blood test.

When booking a routine blood test, his wife, who’s a GP, suggested he ask for a PSA blood test too. Without that conversation, he says he would never have known to ask.

The following day, Stephen received a call that his PSA level was high. He was then sent for further tests, scans, and a biopsy, after which he received a life-changing diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Going through treatment that saved his life

Stephen started treatment straight away. He was given tablets the same day he received his diagnosis, and was later given injections and a course of radiotherapy. 

He shared how the early months were the hardest.

“When I look back at my diary from the first few months... I was frightened,” he said.

At the time, the diagnosis felt overwhelming, and Stephen struggled to process his new reality. But writing his feelings down helped him deal with it day to day.

Thankfully for Stephen, having the PSA blood test when he did allowed doctors to find the cancer before it could spread.

Recalling when he was told this good news, he said “that was the moment that I cried.”

Life after prostate cancer

After responding well to treatment, Stephen is now happy to say his PSA level is undetectable. Although he lives with some ongoing effects, including low testosterone and occasional fatigue, he’s doing well and is grateful he asked for a PSA blood test.

Thousands of men took a first step after hearing about Jeremy’s diagnosis. Stephen’s story is a powerful reminder of why taking that step matters.

If you don’t know your prostate cancer risk, check it today with our online Risk Checker.

CHECK YOUR RISK