BBC star Nick Owen got upset live on air this week as he discussed his diagnosis with cancer.
The respected broadcaster received his diagnosis of prostate cancer last April, weeks after his former TV-am co-presenter Anne Diamond revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has since undergone a mastectomy.
Nick Owen sobs during live TV interview following cancer diagnosis
Nick was awarded an MBE earlier this year. To honour the 76 year old, his BBC Midlands Today colleague Ben Godfrey read some messages that caused Nick to get teary.
“He’s become part of our family. He’s always found time to support us in our work His MBE is well deserved,” bereavement charity Edward’s Trust said.
“I got tested myself after his illness and was diagnosed late last year with prostate cancer. So far, it looks like early detection has paid off,” another message said.
When it came down to Nick’s son Tim, who said he was “very proud of you Dad”, Nick started to sob.
He emotionally responded: “My Tim… oh bless you. And I do want to thank everyone who’s been in touch, you know, and so supportive.
“And I’m so grateful that people have responded to the message in the first place about prostate cancer because that’s such an important thing,” Nick continued.
“People are talking about it far more now. Not just because of me, but various people have been in the same situation.”
‘It can be a hereditary thing’
Despite battling “extensive” and “aggressive” prostate cancer since last year, Nick has been successfully treated.
In an interview last December, he said learning he had cancer was “probably the worst day of my life”. “However, within six weeks or so I had the operation – obviously a major operation is a major operation – but slowly but surely you recover.
“About three weeks ago I was told there was no trace of cancer. Emotionally, I feel fantastic. Still, physically I’m recovering, still feel absolutely exhausted at times.”
During an appearance on the Deadly Silent Podcast, Nick also admitted that telling his four children was “difficult” and “emotional”.
“Also, as far as the boys [Andy, Tim and Chris] are concerned, it’s a warning because it can be a hereditary thing,” he explained.
“I’m very keen for my boys to be extremely on the case. I’ll work on them to go earlier than 50, to be honest, to have the PSA tests. And the message has to be if you have got any hint of a worry, get someone to look at it.”
Read more: Nick Owen reveals he’s being treated for ‘extensive and aggressive’ cancer
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