Jeremy Clarkson and former Prime Minister David Cameron have been praised for encouraging men to assess their risk of prostate cancer, which has helped save lives.
Prostate Cancer UK has highlighted the “Clarkson-Cameron effect,” following Cameron and Clarkson’s recent prostate cancer diagnoses.
Their announcements led to a sharp rise in the number of men completing the charity’s 30-second online risk checker.
In some cases, this has led to a diagnosis that “saved their life”, the charity said.
Jeremy Clarkson, who revealed his diagnosis during the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, is now in remission.
He said: "I feel incredibly lucky that my cancer was caught early.
"It’s why I’m still here today, feeling fine and looking forward to seeing my grandchildren grow up.
"I’ve always said that if my story gets even one bloke to stop ignoring the issue and do something about it then it’s been worthwhile.
"To hear that actually tens of thousands of men have already taken the risk checker is something to be hugely proud of.
"But there’s still plenty more to do.
"So, I’ll keep saying it: if you’re a man, check your risk.
"It only takes a couple of minutes and it could save your life."
How did Clarkson and Cameron encourage people to check prostate cancer risk?
Following Clarkson’s announcement, nearly 50,880 men used the risk checker in a single week, up from 8,425 the week before.
The day after David Cameron revealed his diagnosis, 22,562 men took the risk checker, compared to just 2,175 the previous Monday.
Amy Rylance, director of health services, equity and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, but too many men are still being diagnosed by chance and, sadly, often too late for a cure.
"Our risk checker helps men navigate this complex disease, empowering men with a clear way to understand their risk and their choices.
"We hear from so many men who say a celebrity diagnosis, like Jeremy Clarkson or Lord Cameron’s, inspired them to check their risk and in some cases saved their life.
"We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has publicly shared their experiences of prostate cancer, shining a light onto this disease that is much easier to treat when found earlier, and kickstarting many lifesaving conversations."
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The charity also noted that 280,000 men used the checker in the two months following Sir Chris Hoy’s diagnosis.
Since its launch in 2020, the online risk checker has been completed by more than five million men.
Prostate Cancer UK continues to call for a national screening programme, and is currently running the Transform trial to gather the evidence needed to make early detection a reality for all men.
Did Jeremy Clarkson and David Cameron's prostate cancer diagnosis encourage you to check your risk? Let us know in the comments.
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