Former Prime Minister David Cameron has publicly announced his diagnosis of prostate cancer. The Conservative leader, who served in Downing Street from 2010 to 2016, revealed that it was his wife, Samantha, who encouraged him to undergo testing.
Following her advice, Cameron underwent an MRI scan which showed suspicious ‘black marks’ on his prostate. Subsequent biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer. At 59 years old, Cameron described the emotional challenge of hearing the diagnosis from his doctor.
In an interview with The Times, he said, “You always hope for the best. You have an MRI scan with a few black marks on it. You think, ‘Ah, that’s probably OK.’ But when the biopsy comes back and it says you have prostate cancer? You always dread hearing those words. And then literally as they’re coming out of the doctor’s mouth you’re thinking, ‘Oh, no, he’s going to say it. He’s going to say it. Oh God, he said it.’”
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In light of his experience, Cameron is now advocating for a targeted prostate cancer screening program to help detect the disease early. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 55,000 new cases each year. It generally affects men over 50 and develops in the prostate gland, located beneath the bladder.
Early detection is crucial, as prostate cancer can often be treated successfully. Common symptoms include frequent urination, pain during urination, and difficulties passing urine, among others.
Currently, Cameron works as a consultant for the global law firm DLA Piper, advising on geopolitical risk and international affairs. He also chairs the Advisory Council for the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre and serves as President of Alzheimer’s Research UK. After a recent stint as Foreign Secretary from November 2023 to July 2024, he has returned to his private and charitable work.