- Music
- 23 Feb 18
Beloved comedian and mental health activist Stephen Fry announced his battle with prostate cancer in a YouTube video posted earlier today.
In the 12 minute video, the QI host explains that he initially went to see his doctor to get a flu jab, when they discovered unusually high levels of antigens in his prostate.
"I don't know if you know what PSA levels are, I hope you do, if you're a man you certainly should do - it stands for Prostate-specific antigen and these are things that the prostate give out if its under attack from some sort of tumor and you are supposed to get them checked every year" he explains.
After an MRI scan and a biopsy it was confirmed that Fry had a rather aggressive form of prostate cancer. Following this discovery, Fry explains that he made the decision to remove his prostate as opposed to undergoing radiotherapy, for undisclosed reasons.
For the last 2 months I've been in the throes of a rather unwelcome and unexpected adventure. I'm sorry I haven't felt able to talk about it till now, but here I am explaining what has been going on: https://t.co/uPorpiwstg
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) February 23, 2018
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Throughout the video, Fry seems to be his usual buoyant self, explaining that he has been taking a break from the public eye as he recovers, which would explain why Joanna Lumley took over for him as host of the BAFTA awards in January.
Towards the end of the video, Fry looks to the camera and says that one in eight men will get some form of prostate cancer in their life.
"Cancer is a word that rings in your head. ‘I’ve got cancer’ I kept saying to myself, good heavens, Stephen. You’re not supposed to get cancer. I know it’s an old cliche but you don’t think it’s going to happen to you, cancer is something that happens to other people.” he adds.