Scots comedian Fred MacAulay diagnosed with prostate cancer
Scots comic Fred MacAulay said he has the 'best chance for a good outcome' after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 68-year-old is encouraging other men to get checked after the disease was detected following a regular check-up.
He said: 'It could save lives.'
The stand-up legend added: 'I'm determined not to let a prostate cancer diagnosis get me down. I've even managed to stay away from the internet because I'd just scare myself to death.
'Instead, I'm putting my trust in my doctors, and comforting myself in the knowledge that I've been diagnosed very early which means I should have the best chance for a good outcome.'
Grandfather Fred revealed yesterday he's been tested for the disease every couple of years due to his dad and brother previously having prostate cancer.
He said: 'I've always been a huge supporter of prostate cancer charities, but it wasn't until my own father developed the disease and then my older brother was diagnosed too that I actively decided I'd better do something to explore whether I was also at risk.'
His dad, also called Fred, died at the age of 73 in 2002 after years of battling prostate cancer and mesothelioma.
Fred said: 'It was the mesothelioma which got Dad in the end, he worked on the railways and was exposed to asbestos and all kinds of nasty stuff before he became a policeman until he retired.
'But when my brother Duncan, who is 72 now, was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago, I thought it was about time I took the hint and got checked out.
'I'm lucky enough to be able to get the incredibly accurate MRI tests which can show things up quickly. When it became clear I'm more at risk because of the prevalence of prostate cancer in my family, I've been getting tested every couple of years.'
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Despite having no symptoms, recent tests for the disease came back positive.
'I hope by speaking up this will encourage other men to get checked out too', he said.
'It could save their lives. My brother and my family and friends are all good about speaking up about prostate cancer, but I know not everyone does.
'It's always been a scary thing to talk about, but with all the progress in medicine the best thing to do is be aware, get tested and catch it quickly as it gives you the best possible chance of beating it.'
Fred will be joining pal and fellow Scot Sir Chris Hoy, who has stage four prostate cancer, at the Tour De 4 in Glasgow, for the 56-mile bike ride on September 7 to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer UK at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
The six-time Olympic gold medallist has thrown himself into raising awareness of the disease, which accounts for almost a quarter of all cancers in Scottish men.
He said: 'Chris has been such an inspirational figure in the fight against prostate cancer, he is a true hero.'
Sir Chris added: 'It's really important for me to shine a spotlight on what a stage four cancer diagnosis can look like and demonstrate that it is possible to live well and lead a happy life alongside this devastating diagnosis.'
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