Singer Cliff Richard says he has been treated for prostate cancer

British pop icon Cliff Richard announced Monday that he has been successfully treated for prostate cancer, using his recovery to advocate for a national screening program in the United Kingdom.

The 85-year-old singer, whose chart success has spanned seven decades, revealed he was diagnosed with the disease a year ago during a routine health check required by his insurance company before embarking on a tour to Australia and New Zealand.

“The good fortune was that it was not very old, and the other thing is that it has not metastasized,” Richard told “Good Morning Britain.” While his treatment has been successful, he acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with cancer, adding, “I don’t know whether it’s going to come back.”

Richard called the lack of a comprehensive prostate cancer screening program in Britain “absolutely ridiculous.” The state-funded National Health Service currently offers routine screening for breast, bowel, and cervical cancer, but not for prostate cancer despite it being one of the most common cancers among men in the UK.

The UK National Screening Committee has recommended only a targeted screening program for men with genetic mutations that put them at higher risk, rather than a universal approach. Richard joins a growing chorus of prominent figures pushing for expanded screening, including Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy and former Prime Minister David Cameron, both of whom have dealt with prostate cancer.

Richard’s advocacy comes at a time of increased public awareness about cancer screening following King Charles III’s cancer announcement earlier this year. The monarch, who revealed in February 2024 that he was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, recently emphasized the importance of early detection.

“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” the king stated in a video message broadcast last Friday. Reports indicate his doctors have been able to reduce his treatment regimen thanks to early intervention.

Prostate cancer represents a significant health challenge in the UK, with approximately one in eight men diagnosed during their lifetime. The disease is particularly prevalent among men over 50, those with a family history, and Black men, who face nearly double the risk compared to other ethnic groups.

Health experts have long debated the merits of population-wide screening versus targeted testing. Proponents argue that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates, while critics point to concerns about overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm.

Richard, whose real name is Harry Rodger Webb, rose to fame in the 1950s as one of Britain’s first rock and roll stars before transitioning to a more mainstream pop sound. His hits include “Summer Holiday,” “The Young Ones,” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” With more than 250 million records sold worldwide, he remains one of the most successful British recording artists of all time.

His public disclosure about his cancer diagnosis and treatment could have significant impact on raising awareness about prostate cancer screening, particularly among his generation of fans who are in the higher-risk age bracket for developing the disease.

Medical professionals recommend that men discuss their prostate cancer risk with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about testing, particularly as they age, have family history of the disease, or belong to higher-risk demographic groups.