Sir Cliff Richard has disclosed that he was recently treated for prostate cancer after the condition was detected during routine medical checks required ahead of an overseas tour.
The 85-year-old singer said the cancer was found early, had not spread, and was confined to the prostate, describing himself as fortunate that it had been caught in time.
Speaking publicly about the diagnosis Richard said the experience reinforced his belief that men should be encouraged to undergo regular health checks, even when they feel well.
He is now calling for stronger action to improve cancer screening for men, saying the absence of a national prostate screening programme in the UK was concerning.
UK health advisers currently argue routine screening is not justified for all men, Richard said equal access to testing and early treatment should be a priority.
“We all deserve to have the same ability to have a test and then start treatments really early,” he told journalist Dermot Murnaghan, who himself has stage 4 prostate cancer.
“It seems to me – I’ve only been for one year now in touch with cancer, but every time I’ve talked with anybody, this has come up and so I think our government must listen to us.”
Cliff with Dermot Murnaghan.#CliffRichard @ProstateUK pic.twitter.com/O74Ug1Mb0Z
— Cliff Richard News (@SirCliffNews) December 15, 2025
