Television Presenter’s Cancer Story Prompts Life-Saving Test for Viewer

Ian Phillipson, a writer, attributes a potentially life-saving decision to television presenter Nick Owen, who discussed his cancer diagnosis on BBC Midlands Today. Following Owen’s emotional account of his prostate cancer treatment in 2023, Phillipson opted to seek a medical test, which subsequently yielded a positive result. Mr. Phillipson, a 66-year-old resident of Burghill, Herefordshire, reported feeling well post-treatment, with his symptoms progressively diminishing. Mr. Owen expressed humility upon learning that Mr. Phillipson was prompted to get tested due to his story. After their meeting, Owen remarked, “We had a lot in common and it was a really heart-warming experience. We are prostate cancer buddies.” Following Mr. Owen’s public disclosure, charitable organizations observed a significant increase in inquiries regarding Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood testing, as elevated levels can suggest a prostate condition. Mr. Phillipson stated: “I saw Nick being open about his diagnosis and how if your father or close family has had prostate cancer, then you should get a check.” He continued, “My father had so I did and on 1 November I was told that my PSA was high which then triggered an MRI scan and I was diagnosed in January this year.” He completed a course of radiotherapy during the summer, and in August, after a subsequent PSA test, his physicians confirmed he was clear of cancer. Mr. Phillipson was among numerous viewers who contacted Owen to express gratitude for his efforts in raising awareness about a disease estimated to impact one in eight men during their lifetime. Earlier this month, Owen visited him. Mr. Phillipson conveyed to Owen, “I want to thank you, Nick, because you might have saved my life.” He added, “Who knows what catalyst there might have been in the future that would have prompted me to get myself checked out?” The presenter mentioned receiving a large volume of messages from wives, girlfriends, and children of men who had received prostate cancer diagnoses. Owen commented, “It’s a really good outcome for Ian.” He further stated, “I’m so pleased that I have met him now and we’ve been able to share our experiences.” Potential indicators of prostate cancer include increased urinary frequency and the detection of blood in urine. Individuals aged 50 or older are advised that they can request a test from their general practitioner, even in the absence of symptoms. BBC Hereford & Worcester can be followed on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.