The Bill Turnbull effect: surge in cancer checks after TV presenter's death
TV presenter Bill Turnbull's death from prostate cancer in August 2022 sparked a significant increase in cancer checks in England. In just one year, a quarter of a million men sought urological cancer referrals, a 17% rise. The surge in referrals, dubbed the Turnbull-Fry effect after Stephen Fry's similar public announcement in 2018, led to a record-breaking number of men receiving treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer UK reported that over 61,000 people completed its online risk checker in the week following Bill's passing, a 2,500% increase from the previous week.
Prostate Cancer UK urges men to complete the simple risk checker
To mark the one-year anniversary of Bill Turnbull's death on August 31, Prostate Cancer UK is encouraging the nation to 'Broadcast it like Bill' and share its 30-second online risk checker. The risk checker aims to help men understand their likelihood of developing prostate cancer and whether they should consider getting a PSA blood test. This test measures the level of prostate specific antigen, a protein produced by prostate cancer cells. However, it is important to note that other prostate problems can also cause a rise in PSA levels, such as infection or an enlarged prostate.
More work needed to raise awareness of prostate cancer
Despite the increase in cancer checks following Bill Turnbull's passing, Laura Kerby, Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, emphasized that there is still more to be done in raising awareness about the disease. She highlighted that many men are still being diagnosed too late and certain areas of the country are recovering more slowly than others. The charity aims to reach the men most at risk, including those over 50, Black men, and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
Early symptoms and the importance of early detection
Early prostate cancer is highly treatable but often does not present symptoms. This is why Prostate Cancer UK encourages men to be aware of their risk, particularly if they are over 50, Black, or have a family history of the disease. Changes in urinary habits, such as difficulty starting to urinate, weak pee flow, or a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, can be early signs of prostate cancer. Other signs include dribbling urine after urination, increased frequency of urination (especially at night), and a sudden urgent need to urinate. It is important to note that these symptoms are more likely to occur if the cancer is close to the urethra and causing changes to urination patterns.
For further reference:
1. Prostate cancer: why are so few men aged 50 having the current PSA test? | The Guardian
2. Prostate cancer symptoms | Cancer Research UK
