England legend John Barnes has shared that he has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The former Liverpool winger spoke openly about his diagnosis, saying: “I’ve had prostate cancer, I’ve had my prostate out, not many people know, and it’s a bit of a taboo subject because we support women with breast cancer and it’s not even an issue.”
Barnes encouraged more men to get checked for prostate cancer, with a particular focus on black men.
He told Times Radio: “Whereas with men, the Government say: ‘Yeah, prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward, and in black men it’s more prevalent.’
England legend John Barnes has revealed his battle with prostate cancer
| PA
“Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it.
“So it’s a good thing that that has come out. I’m fine. I have my PSA, and everything is okay.
“The thing about it is that a lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man.
“But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person, and you’re around, and that’s the main thing.”
More to follow…
