Latest news with #FredMacAulay
BBC News
7 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Comedian Fred MacAulay reveals prostate cancer diagnosis
Comedian Fred MacAulay has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate 68-year-old previously told how he had been getting regular checks since his father and brother were both diagnosed with the - who presented his own BBC Scotland radio show for 18 years until 2015 - said the cancer had been spotted at a "very early" insisted he was determined not to let the diagnosis get him down and hoped that speaking out would encourage other men to get tested. He told The Courier: "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."Macaulay's father, who was also called Fred, died at the age of 73 in 2002 after years of battling prostate cancer and 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." MacAulay - who has been a regular guest on TV comedy shows such as Have I Got News For You and QI - is a long-time campaigner for prostate cancer said: "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."In the UK, about one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their mainly affects men over 50, with the risk increasing with are higher for men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Star Fred: I won't let prostate cancer diagnosis get me down
Scots comedian Fred MacAulay has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The 68-year-old stand-up comic said he 'took the hint' and began getting regular tests after his father and brother were both diagnosed with the disease. But despite not having any symptoms, doctors recently told him the devastating news that he also has it. His diagnosis comes just months after six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy revealed his prostate cancer was terminal, having also had 'zero symptoms'. The comedian and radio presenter will now join Sir Chris's charity cycle in September to raise awareness, as he vowed not to let the illness stand in his way. He said: '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.' And the father-of-three urged other men to 'get checked out' after admitting it was not until his father and older brother were diagnosed he 'actively decided I'd better do something to explore whether I was also at risk'. Mr MacAulay's father, also Fred, died at the age of 73 in 2002 after years of battling prostate cancer and mesothelioma. The comedian 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. '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.' It was only after his last tests a few weeks ago that doctors contacted him to advise him that further action was needed. He told the Sunday Post: 'Although I've not had any symptoms, the final tests came back positive just a few days ago and I am waiting to see what the medical team advise is my next step.' Mr MacAulay has been forced to cancel his Edinburgh Fringe shows and tour, but he still plans to join Sir Chris 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. He said: 'I hope by speaking up this will encourage other men to get checked out too. It could save their lives. '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.' He hailed Sir Chris, who has dedicated his time to raising awareness of the disease, as 'such an inspirational figure in the fight against prostate cancer' and described him as 'a true hero.' The cycling great announced last year that he was given between two and four years to live after being told his cancer had spread to his bones. He sparked a massive campaign to encourage men to get checked for the condition, partnering with the charity Prostate Cancer UK to provide an online risk-checker. Since then, more than 180,000 men have used it and following tests more than 1,000 have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are receiving treatment.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Comedian given devastating cancer diagnosis weeks before Edinburgh Fringe shows
A popular Scottish comedian has revealed he is suffering from prostate cancer — the third man in his family to get the disease. Perth-born Fred MacAulay has been a vocal advocate for prostate cancer charities, having lost his own father to the disease. His brother was also diagnosed eight years ago — and now Fred has been given the news he has cancer. READ MORE: Noel Gallagher says Scotland is a 'third world country' in feud with Lewis Capaldi READ MORE: Eager Edinburgh foodies in huge queues for new global sensation Oakberry Açai The 68-year-old said he was determined to stay positive and hopes his speaking up encourages other men to get checked. Speaking to the Sunday Post, he said he had been getting tested "every couple of years" due to the "prevalence of prostate cancer" in his family. He was examined in the last few weeks and said further tests confirmed he had cancer. He has not been suffering any symptoms and said he was "waiting to see what the medical team advise is my next step". MacAulay's father, also called Fred, died in 2002 at the age of 73 from prostate cancer while his older brother Duncan, 72, was diagnosed in 2017. The comedian has been forced to cancel shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and postpone a Scottish tour. But he is remaining upbeat. He said: "I'm determined not to let a prostate cancer diagnosis get me down. I've managed to stay away from the internet because I'd just scare myself to death. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "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." MacAulay, who admitted to a few "down days" since his test, is best known for presenting his own BBC Scotland radio show and has also presented Children in Need and appeared on shows such as Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, and QI. He added: "I hope by speaking up this will encourage other men to get checked out too. It could save 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 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 chance of beating it." Despite his diagnosis, MacAulay still plans on taking part in Tour De 4 in Glasgow on September 7, alongside pal and fellow cancer sufferer Sir Chris Hoy. He is also appearing on stage in Glasgow on August 7 at The Stand and will attend Fringe By The Sea in Edinburgh on August 9.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots comedian Fred MacAulay 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. 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.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Iconic Scots comedian and ex-radio host diagnosed with prostate cancer as stand-up urges other men to get checked
SCOTS comedy icon Fred MacAulay has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The standup has had regular checks after his father and big brother were diagnosed with the illness. Advertisement 2 Comedian Fred MacAulay has revealed that he has prostate cancer Credit: Getty 2 The funnyman used to host the MacAulay and Co. show on BBC Radio Scotland Credit: PA:Press Association The 68-year-old hadn't been displaying any symptoms but following his most recent check-up, doctors broke the news to him. But the radio host is adamant that he won't let his diagnosis get to him. Fred told "It wasn't until my own father developed prostate cancer 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." Advertisement The comic's father, also named Fred, passed away aged 73 in 2002. He had faced a lengthy battle with prostate cancer and mesothelioma. Fred said: "When my brother Duncan, who is now 72, 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. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive "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. "After the last test a few weeks ago, my doctors got back to me and advised further action was needed. "Although I've not had any symptoms, the final tests came back positive just a few days ago and I am waiting to see what the medical team advise is my next step." Fred is focused on spreading awareness about prostate cancer and is urging other men to get checked out. Advertisement David Beckham is left with a huge BALD patch after DIY haircut blunder - and wife Victoria admits 'it looks terrible' He said: "I hope by speaking up this will encourage other men to get checked out too. 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 is. "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, from Perth, previously presented the Macaulay and Co. daily show on BBC Radio Scotland. Advertisement The father-of-three has worked as an accountant and is married to his teenage sweetheart, Aileen.
