I wasn’t aware that Bill Turnbull was suffering from prostate cancer when I began my investigative journey which led soon after to a diagnosis that shook me to the core.
It was a BBC R4 Breakfast programme that jolted me into action. That was not so long after Bill’s diagnosis, which ultimately claimed his life…
Bill died this week.
Rest in Peace, Bill.
For me it was a reminder of the ‘escape’ I made by my demand for a test. Bill, on the other hand in an interview said he’s had a test at age of forty, then fifty, then for an unknown reason not again until he was in pain – in his back, dating to his years of lugging heavy reporting apparatus, so he took pain killers and dismissed it…
As he said, it was a bad move for when eventually when getting on for sixty-two he visited his doctor, a psa test showed a high number. It was bad news.
Bill battled and campaigned. Thank you Bill: their are many in the media industry who haven’t ‘shouted’ about it and should have done for men take notice of a favourite pop star, etc…
See Bill’s BBC tribute: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-59082523
When I was undergoing my initial tests I was preparing for an Essex Book Festival talk. That was during early February for a March date.
I’d had my first prostate specific antigen test which was ‘high’ but the doctor at my surgery said was nothing to worry about. I was called for a further test: the hospital were by then activated. They weren’t happy … for damned good reason too as it turned out!
See the tale:
Strangely, I am in the end game of the editing of my next work, which has been a longer drawn out process with my new publisher than with previous, however, I am assured all is well and my review of final changes is close.
It would be nice to think that the Essex Book Festival organisers will be interested in a ‘re run’ in 2023 – book event that is, not my illness…
This morning prostate cancer was being discussed on the BBC R4 Today programme by a presenter and various, including the oncologist who ‘dealt’ with Bill.
Here are a few current facts to digest:
- One man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK…
- Get tested.
- The earlier the diagnosis, the greater chance of a ‘cure’…
- Late diagnosis means a certain early death, still…
- Men get by- passed by the system within the NHS, unlike women.
- It is still a ‘Cinderella’ cancer…
So, in memory of Bill Turnbull, please, I am asking men to think about a test, then get it done. The NHS cannot say NO!
When one has had a near end of life experience, the joys and preciousness of life are sharpened: one is a very long time dead…