Piers Morgan has revealed he had his own prostate cancer scare following the sad news of fellow presenter Bill Turnbull’s diagnosis.
The Good Morning Britain host told Susanna Reid he had an “agonising” wait to discover if he had the disease after tests suggested he was at risk.
The 52-year-old said the experience made him realise how important it is to get checked early – something Bill has admitted he didn’t do.
Piers said: “I had a bit of a scare with this a few years ago but fortunately for me it was alright, but my levels were high – well, raised.
“It’s a simple thing but all the doctors will tell you, if you leave it – and Bill gave a great interview, really honest and positive – saying he’d left it a few years really, having some symptoms and not really dealing with it.
“That’s common of our parents’ generation whereas our kids’ generation are better at getting stuff tackled immediately.”
Read more: Former BBC Breakfast and Strictly star Bill Turnbull diagnosed with prostate cancer
Piers discussed the matter with Bill’s former BBC Breakfast co-host Susanna Reid in light of the 62-year-old revealing the sad news about his ailing health.
Bill told the Radio Times the cancer has spread to his bones, as he put off seeing a doctor as he thought the aches and pains he was experiencing were just down to his age.
He’s been informed the survival rate is ten years – but it could be prolonged with treatment.
Piers said it must have been terrible for Bill to have the worst news confirmed.
He said he had a taste of what that might be like when he awaited his own test results after being told his PSA levels were raised – something that can happen if you have prostate cancer.
He said: “It really struck me when I had that little scare – everyone has had a scare – that awful feeling of dread you get that this might be it and you have the big C.
“Bill said the trouble is when it’s confirmed, it’s the last thing you think about when you got to bed and the first thing you think about when you wake up and it just dominates your life.
“And the challenge is you have to fight that cloud that’s on you.”
He added: “I had it for three, four days that worry and I will never forget it. I had to wait a few days and it was agonising.”
Luckily for Piers, he was then told he was fine, but he said he will keep on top of getting tested in the future – and urged others to do the same.
Piers and Susanna wished Bill all the best as he fights the disease.
Piers said: “I’m sure he will fight it with everything he’s got and we wish him all the best.”
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Susanna added looking tearful: “We want to give a big hug to my colleague Bill Turnbull who had revealed he has prostate cancer. He is a fine trooper of a man. It’s a difficult time for him. He has a strong wife in Sarah.
“He is saying to all men – especially those of a particular age – to go and get your PSA levels checked. Big hug to you Bill and we’re all thinking of you.”