Former Newcastle and West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer after undergoing routine tests.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has revealed that he is battling advanced prostate cancer. The former goalkeeper has opened up about his diagnosis, revealing that despite “radical” surgery, the cancer had spread.
The 56-year-old, who made 221 Premier League appearances during his career, opened up about his treatment and cancer journey in a video posted to Instagram.
“I have a story to tell you,” he said. “About 18 months ago, I went for my annual check-up and insisted on getting a PSA test as usual, but this time my PSA was elevated.
“An MRI and biopsy quickly revealed that I had a very aggressive form of prostate cancer. One year ago, on December 6th to be exact, I had a radical prostatectomy and thought that was it.
“But six months later, my PSA rose again and another test showed that the prostate cancer had spread to my pelvis.
“I started medication immediately after that and this morning I completed seven and a half weeks of radiation treatment. The journey continues.”
Hislop rose to stardom with Reading in 1992 and went on to play for Newcastle United, West Ham United and Portsmouth. He finished his career with FC Dallas in America.
After playing for England Under-21s, the Hackney-born star played for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup.
The former goaltender entered the punditry world after his career, working primarily for ESPN. He covers Premier League games and often attends Newcastle games.
Following the announcement, Mr Hislop issued an emotional appeal, imploring men around the world to get tested regularly. “Doctors recommend that all men over the age of 50 undergo regular PSA testing.” “For people of African descent, that age drops to 40 years.
“If you live in the UK or a country where PSA testing is not recommended, you should make that claim. It doesn’t matter whether you have a family history of cancer or not.
“I took a genetic test and found that none of the traits ran in my family, but without going into too much detail, it became clear this year that that doesn’t exclude all of my immediate family.
“Men in the Caribbean have the highest death rate from prostate cancer. So let me say this to my community, my people: Please go get tested. Know your PSA and track your history.
“Prostate cancer is survivable if detected early. There are treatments. Testing saves lives. Testing saved mine.”
