Broadcaster Steve Rider revealed on BBC Breakfast today (Wednesday October 11) that he is battling prostate cancer.
The sports presenter, 73, told viewers he was diagnosed two months ago – and will undergo surgery this weekend.
Former Grandstand host and ITV football anchor Steve also shared how he was moved to go for a check up after fellow TV presenter Nick Owen opened up about undergoing a prostatectomy, and a neighbour also received a cancer diagnosis.
BBC Breakfast today
Steve said during his live telly appearance this morning: “I’m a great convert to the work of Prostate Cancer UK because on Saturday I need quite an urgent operation.
“The whole process from getting myself checked, to diagnosis, to operation has taken about two months. I consider myself to be extremely lucky.”
Reflecting on his test results, Steve continued: “My reading was a little bit high. But being a bloke, you can live with that. No symptoms or anything like that.
“My wife, thankfully, is far more sensible and far more tuned in to these things. So we went off and into the examination procedure and into the X-rays and so on, and a biopsy as well.”
Steve Rider on cancer surgery
Sportsnight star Steve also explained his biopsy results came the day after he went on a charity walk in memory of late BBC presenter Bill Turnbull, who died of prostate cancer in September 2022.
Steve recalled: “I went in and they said I need to be operated on as soon as possible and to clear the diary for the next three weeks.
“It is all contained within the prostate, so it gives us the opportunity to have significant surgery and cure the whole thing that way.
“If it becomes more advanced, the future is a little bit more bleak for people.
We have managed to catch it in time that surgery will really knock it it’s head.
“We have managed to catch it in time that surgery will really knock it it’s head. That’s the message out there right now. I’ve been so lucky.”
‘I consider myself to be extremely lucky’
Former BBC Sport presenter Steve Rider has told #BBCBreakfast he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer and it’s thanks to another TV presenter that he went for a check up https://t.co/V94q3561On pic.twitter.com/HCJ9dMfx2J
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) October 11, 2023
Social media users react
Many viewers watching Steve on BBC Breakfast sent him best wishes on Twitter for his recovery. There was also a lot of gratitude sent Steve’s way for opening up about his condition and raising awareness about prostate cancer.
“Sending the very best of wishes to Steve Rider and to all men currently going through the prostate cancer journey,” one person tweeted.
Another Twitter user posted: “Thank you Steve for getting the message out.”
And a third echoed that remark, writing: “Thank you talking about silent killer. The more we get men checked better, even if no signs. So get checked, men.”
Find out more about prostate cancer and Prostate Cancer UK by clicking on the links.
Read more: Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares heartbreaking new details of second cancer diagnosis
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