SIR CLIFF RICHARD REVEALS SECRET PROSTATE CANCER BATTLE AND URGES MEN TO GET CHECKED

Sir Cliff Richard has revealed that he has been quietly battling prostate cancer for the past year, speaking candidly for the first time about his diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The 85-year-old music icon said the cancer was discovered during a routine health check carried out for insurance purposes ahead of a planned concert tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The singer, whose career has spanned more than six decades, made the revelation during a deeply personal conversation with veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan. Dermot himself has been diagnosed with stage four advanced prostate cancer, and the two men spoke openly about the importance of early detection, awareness and removing stigma around men’s health.

Sir Cliff explained that his diagnosis came completely unexpectedly. He had no obvious symptoms and only underwent the tests as part of a standard medical requirement linked to touring. It was during those checks that doctors identified the cancer at an early stage, something he now believes made all the difference.

Reassuring fans, Sir Cliff said that the cancer has “gone at the moment”, though he acknowledged that there are no guarantees about the future. “I don’t know whether it’s going to come back. We can’t tell those sort of things,” he said. “But we need to, absolutely, I’m convinced, get there, get tested, get checked.”

The singer also spoke about how fortunate he feels that the cancer was caught before it had spread. “The good fortune was that it was not very old, and the other thing is that it has not metastasised,” he explained. “Nothing had moved into bones or anything like that.” His words highlight a crucial point often raised by medical professionals, prostate cancer can be highly treatable when detected early.

Sir Cliff used the interview to strongly support calls for a national prostate cancer screening programme for men, describing the current situation as “absolutely ridiculous”. At present, there is no routine national screening test offered to men in the same way breast cancer screening is available to women, something campaigners have long argued needs to change.

The singer was speaking with veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan, 67, who has been diagnosed with stage four advanced prostate cancer – Credit: ITV/GMB

For Sir Cliff, the issue is now deeply personal. He believes that many men are either unaware of the risks or reluctant to seek testing, often due to embarrassment or fear. By sharing his own experience, he hopes to encourage others, particularly older men, to take their health seriously and push for checks, even if they feel well.

The revelation has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom have followed Sir Cliff’s career since his early chart-topping days in the late 1950s. From Move It to Summer Holiday, and countless hits in between, Sir Cliff has remained a beloved figure across generations. For many listeners, especially those in the 50-plus age group, his openness about such a serious health issue has been both sobering and inspiring.

Dermot Murnaghan praised Sir Cliff for speaking out, noting how powerful it can be when well-known figures use their platform to raise awareness. Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting men, particularly those over 50, yet it is often discussed far less openly than other forms of the disease.

Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis, Sir Cliff remains positive and grateful. He continues to focus on his recovery, his music and his faith, while using his experience to push for change that could benefit countless others in the future.

By breaking his silence, Sir Cliff Richard has turned a deeply private health battle into a powerful public message, one that could help save lives. His message is clear: don’t wait, don’t ignore it, and don’t be afraid to get checked.