John Barnes previously revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but said he was ‘fine’ after sharing details with supporters
John Barnes has revealed he has been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer (Image: Offside, via Getty Images)
John Barnes has revealed that he had his prostate removed after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The former England international and Liverpool striker, 62, broke the news to supporters during an appearance on Times Radio.
Burns admitted that “a lot of people don’t know” that he has the disease, but that he is “fine” now.
“I had prostate cancer and had my prostate removed, but not many people know and I support women with breast cancer, so it’s a bit of a taboo subject and it’s not even an issue,” he told Times Radio.
“For men, whereas the government says, ‘Yes, it’s prostate cancer, we need more awareness, people need to come forward, and it’s more prevalent in black men,’ men have to step up and swallow their pride and admit if they have a problem and say it. So it’s good that it’s out there.”
Burns, who enjoyed a stellar 10-year career as a forward with Liverpool and won 79 caps for England during his playing days, went on to talk about the stigma surrounding his treatment.
“A lot of men don’t want to admit that or want it done to them because they feel like they’re not a man. But you’re not. You’re just the same. You’re the same person and you’re there. That’s what matters.”
Mr Burns revealed his past diagnosis after calling on all black men aged 45 to 74 to take part in a prostate cancer screening trial, with the former England great calling the Government’s move a “good thing”.
Barnes enjoyed a glittering playing career with Liverpool, among other clubs (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Chiara de Beers, Prostate Cancer UK Fundraising and Health Strategy Director, thanked Mr Burns for speaking up, saying: “We are very grateful to John for speaking up about his prostate cancer diagnosis and are delighted to hear that treatment has been successful. By sharing their stories, high-profile footballers who have suffered from prostate cancer, such as John and Chris Hughton, are helping to spread the message and energize the football community.”
“John’s story is ultimately a positive one, but it’s also a timely reminder of the dangers of prostate cancer. One in eight men will develop prostate cancer. If you’re black or have a family history, like John, your risk is even higher. But if caught early, it can be cured.”
“As the largest public funder of prostate cancer research in the UK, Prostate Cancer Society UK is proud to be driving ground-breaking progress towards making screening a reality.And today, the Government has more than doubled support for the ground-breaking £60m TRANSFORM trial, further We are pleased to be able to provide support to tens of thousands of black men and generate the important evidence needed to ensure those most at risk are diagnosed early, when treatment is most effective. It will bring the best for our fathers, friends and partners, potentially leading to longer, healthier lives. ”
