The ‘Bill Turnbull’ effect has contributed to a significant increase in referrals for prostate cancer in the past year, according to Prostate Cancer UK. Referrals have risen by 17% in the last 12 months, with more than a quarter of a million men being referred for suspected urological cancer in England between March 2022 and February 2023. The largest increase occurred in November, when over 25,000 men were sent for further tests. Prostate Cancer UK believes that the death of ambassador and presenter Bill Turnbull encouraged men to get tested. Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer and primarily affects men over the age of 50 and black men.
Bill Turnbull, who was himself diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, stated that publicly revealing his diagnosis had inspired men to get tested and was the most impactful thing he had accomplished in his life. Following Turnbull’s death, over 61,000 people completed Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker, a 2,500% increase, to assess their own risk and determine if they needed a blood test. The Daily Mail has also relaunched its campaign to end needless prostate deaths, aiming to improve the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, which claims the lives of over 11,500 men in the UK annually.
One individual, Rod Hartshorne, credited the death of Bill Turnbull for prompting him to get checked for prostate cancer. Hartshorne’s wife had been urging him to see a doctor for months, but it was only after hearing of Turnbull’s passing that he made an appointment. Hartshorne was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2022 and had his prostate removed, achieving a successful recovery. He expressed gratitude to Turnbull for potentially saving his life and now seeks to raise awareness about the disease.
Prostate Cancer UK’s Chief Executive, Laura Kerby, acknowledged the increase in referrals and treatments as a response to the thousands of missed diagnoses during the pandemic. She expressed appreciation for the efforts made to raise awareness and thanked the NHS staff for their work. However, Kerby emphasized that more work needs to be done, as some men continue to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease. Prostate Cancer UK’s campaign this year encourages people to raise awareness like Bill Turnbull and urges men to take their 30-second risk checker to assess their risk and understand what actions they can take.
Recent data indicates that England’s recovery from the pandemic is ongoing, with a 21% increase in referrals for suspected urological cancer in June 2023 compared to the same month in 2019. Treatment for urological cancer has also increased by 24%. However, the charity warned that certain regions, like the Midlands, are recovering slower and have lower treatment rates compared to the national average.
Various celebrities, including Stephen Fry and Jools Holland, have also shared their experiences with prostate cancer. The NHS website advises that the risk of prostate cancer rises with age, primarily affecting men aged 50 and older. Symptoms may include increased frequency of urination, delayed urination, erectile dysfunction, blood in urine, weight loss, or unexplained lower back pain. Doctors typically request a urine sample to check for infection and a blood sample to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
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