Nick Owen has shared an emotional cancer update almost two years to the day he was diagnosed with an “extensive and aggressive prostate cancer”.
The 77-year-old former breakfast TV host, who shared the TV-am sofa with Anne Diamond, confirmed he was battling prostate cancer in August 2023, and has since been successfully treated.
Nick did not have any symptoms but when a blood test in April that same year showed slightly elevated prostrate-specific antigen (PSA) results, his GP insisted he saw a specialist, which led to a diagnosis and surgery.
Now, in a heartfelt update on his cancer journey, the presenter revealed that “hundreds” of men have reached out, saying his diagnosis prompted them to get tested—decisions that, in some cases, may have saved their lives.
Nick’s decision to go public about his cancer diagnosis raised awareness of the disease and led to a surge in men getting tested.
A record 55,033 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, with a 25% rise in cases between 2019 and 2023.
Recalling his diagnosis, Nick told The Mirror: "It was possibly the worst day of my life. But I’m still thriving, I’m still grateful.
“I’m feeling pretty well and glad to be where I am now. Hopefully I’m cancer free. I’m a lucky boy.”
One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. Statistics from cancer care specialist GenesisCare show 79% initially keep silent about symptoms, with one in 10 taking over six months to voice their concern, if they ever do.
Owen - who has four adult children, two of them boys - said telling his offspring of his condition was “emotional”, but that it had to be done as he wanted them to be aware of the potentially hereditary illness and its warning signs.
He told the newspaper that every week, men continue to reach out, sharing that his story encouraged them to get tested—leading to diagnoses and, in some cases, surgery.
