TV star Chris Kamara shares well being replace after horrifying prostate most cancers scare
Football icon Chris Kamara has shared a heartfelt life update after a 2024 prostate cancer scare resulted in him getting tested for the disease which kills thousands of men every year
Footy legend Chris Kamara(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Chris Kamara has pulled back the lid on the impact he’s had on the lives of other men after sharing his prostate cancer scare.
Back in 2024 the football icon underwent testing due to fears he could have the disease after a routine blood test showed an above-average PSA level. Such a level can be a possible sign of prostate cancer for men.
Thankfully the doctors confirmed the football star – who had played for Leeds United, Sheffield United, Bradford City – didn’t in fact have the disease. After the health scare the ex-footballer shared his story to help raise awareness and inspire other men to get tested against the disease.
Chris Kamara has shared an update on his prostate cancer awareness campaign(Image: PA)
Sharing his thoughts on X, Kamara stated: “Had some good news from @ProstateUK that blokes using the risk checker after my appeal in the paper last week, went up by a THIRD.”
He added: “They know from experience that this will prompt a number men to see their doctor. Unfortunately, some will get a diagnosis- BUT thankfully early enough to save their lives.”
Just last weekend Kamara stated he will be running the Great North Run with close mate Ben Shephard and his son Jack to help Prostate Cancer UK. The Great North Run will take place on Sunday, September 13, as participants will hit the streets from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields.
Kamara has urged blokes to get tested(Image: ITV)
Speaking to the Mirror the football legend stated: “Any man would feel scared about the prospect of getting prostate cancer. I’ve been working with the charity for more than a decade, so I know that early diagnosis is absolutely key.
“A routine test I had two years ago flagged up a slightly PSA level raised level. That was a scary thing to hear, but thankfully, it turned out I didn’t have prostate cancer. After consistent monitoring, my levels remain the same.”
He continued: “As men, it’s so important we look after ourselves and keep an eye on any changes. I do get up in the night to pee more now. But that’s a symptom of other conditions too, so check with your GP. And I know none of us likes going to the doctor about ‘problems below the belt’ – but it’s a mountain you have to climb, so just do it.”
The Great North Run is not the first charity event Kamara has taken part in. The footy legend has previously joined ten charity walks alongside his former Sky Sports colleague Jeff Stelling.
He explained: “Doing the walks alongside my great mate Jeff and meeting so many affected by prostate cancer, or who were marching in honour of loved ones they had lost, really brought it home to me. Those stories are heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time, and having that knowledge of the disease certainly helped me deal with my scare.
Kamara has shared his thoughts online(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
“I want to raise as much awareness as I can, particularly for black men, who are at double the risk. Prostate Cancer UK have a brilliant risk checker on their website. It takes 30 seconds and may just save your life.
“The problem with prostate checking, it’s your genitals, and you feel embarrassed when you shouldn’t be. These doctors and nurses have seen it all before. Get over that problem and go and get yourself checked.”
Kamara has spoken of the importance of the run to him. The retired footballer stated: “As a North East native, I have always wanted to take on the Great North Run again after I was lucky enough to run it 26 years ago. That time round the great Sir Brendan Foster applauded me for getting home in just under 1 hour 30 minutes.
“I’ve got a few problems with my balance these days so I hope it might be double that this time. But whatever happens I’ll get round.” And he added: “What I do know is that it’s an incredible event with passionate fans packing the streets. I look forward to seeing you all in September and look forward to some unbelievable support.”
