Chris Kamara has opened up about a prostate cancer scare as he urged men to get tested.
The 68-year-old, who has been a long-time supporter of Prostate Cancer UK, revealed that a routine blood test a couple of years ago sparked concern.
Kamara was given the good news that it was not cancer, but insisted men need to “look after ourselves”.
“Any man would feel scared about the prospect of getting prostate cancer. I’ve been working with the charity for more than a decade, so I know that early diagnosis is absolutely key.
“A routine test I had two years ago flagged up a slightly PSA level raised level,” the Sky Sports legend told the Mirror.
He continued: “That was a scary thing to hear, but thankfully it turned out I didn’t have prostate cancer. After consistent monitoring, my levels remain the same. As men, it’s so important we look after ourselves and keep an eye on any changes.
“I do get up in the night to pee more now. But that’s a symptom of other conditions too, so check with your GP.
“And I know none of us like going to the doctor about ‘problems below the belt’ – but it’s a mountain you have to climb, so just do it.
Chris Kamara has opened up about a prostate cancer scare
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“Doing the walks alongside my great mate Jeff and meeting so many affected by prostate cancer, or who were marching in honour of loved ones they had lost, really brought it home to me.
“Those stories are heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time, and having that knowledge of the disease certainly helped me deal with my scare.
“I want to raise as much awareness as I can, particularly for black men, who are at double the risk.
“Prostate Cancer UK have a brilliant risk checker on their website. It takes 30 seconds and may just save your life.
Kamara said: ‘I know none of us likes going to the doctor about ‘problems below the belt’ – but it’s a mountain you have to climb, so just do it’
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“The problem with prostate checking, it’s your genitals, and you feel embarrassed when you shouldn’t be.
“These doctors and nurses have seen it all before. Get over that problem and go and get yourself checked.”
Kamara is preparing to take on a half-marathon with fellow broadcaster Ben Shephard.
The pair, who have hosted several shows in the past, are preparing to take on the 13.1-mile challenge at the Great North Run in Newcastle.
Kamara is preparing to take on a half-marathon with fellow broadcaster Ben Shephard
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Commenting on the half-marathon, Kamara said: “Ben has been amazing. He’s part of the reason I came back to do TV. He convinced me to do that GMB interview with him. I’m back partly down to his help and encouragement.
“I spent a couple of years feeling sorry for myself and thinking: ‘This is totally beyond me to ever consider getting back to walking, never mind jogging.’ I wanted to give myself a real challenge to try and get back to somewhere near the person I was.
“I’m helping a lot of charities these days. I thought: ‘What would be the perfect challenge for me?’ To do a half marathon and make it to the finish line with all my problems.
“Going down stairs I’m not so good, so going down hills is going to be a massive challenge. But Ben and my son Jack will guide me through that. They will make sure I get it done.”
