The TV news anchor Nick Owen has disclosed that he had surgery for prostate cancer. The 75-year-old host of popular programs like Good Morning Britain revealed that he received the “extensive and aggressive” cancer diagnosis in April, on “one of the worst” days of his life.
Owen, who co-founded breakfast television and is best remembered for his work with Anne Diamond, claimed he had no symptoms and that the diagnosis had “come out of the blue.”
I was informed that it was really serious and that I needed to act quickly, he said.
Now, the BBC is advising other males to be checked. He admitted that a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) had indicated slightly higher readings.
He claimed, “He saved my life. My GP advised that I go and visit a specialist only to reassure me.
He claimed that a scan had shown “there was something fishy going on,” and the results of the biopsy were what ultimately killed him.
The diagnostic date of April 13 will “forever be imprinted” in Owen’s mind, according to the former chairman of Luton Town and presenter of the regional news program BBC Midlands Today since 1997.
He said that it was extensive and aggressive, that I had full-blown prostate cancer, and that something needed to be done quickly.
“And that was probably the worst day of my life or at least one of the worst,” the speaker continued.
For the broadcaster and his wife Vicki, who was “by my side all the time through this,” it had been a “very difficult time.”
One of the first faces to debut on British breakfast television, the broadcaster gained widespread recognition in 1983.
Following a stint with ITV Sport, Anne Diamond, who recently revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and Owen co-hosted Good Morning with Anne and Nick. The show aired on BBC One from 1992 until 1996.
Owen has taken time off of work to rehabilitate after receiving his diagnosis and anticipates returning to hosting Midlands Today in the fall.
Prior to surgery, a scan revealed “a beacon of hope” in that the disease was restricted to the prostate and had not spread.
Owen claimed that he had chosen a radical prostatectomy, which entails the removal of the entire prostate gland, after consulting with specialized physicians.
Despite the fact that the surgery was successful, he claimed to have had a “pretty bumpy ride” thereafter, with Vicki’s support.
He continued,
“She had to do a lot of medical things to take care of me when I got home, including giving me an injection once a day for about a month – and she’s got no experience of that, and I’ve certainly got no experience of doing [it] myself or having it done by a non medical professional.”
“So that was one of the numerous variables that contributed to the difficult situation.
Even though I’m not quite myself right now, he declared, “I do feel a lot more like it.”
In the UK, one in eight men may develop prostate cancer, and the number of new cases has increased in the last three years.
The presenter called the statistics “pretty startling” and advised other guys to consult their doctor if they had any concerns.
I believe it’s crucial to get checked out, he remarked.
He claimed that for “many years,” he had been undergoing PSA testing, which counts the quantity of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.
I guess it would have been curtains if my GP hadn’t remarked, “We just need to get this checked,” as I recently experienced one, he continued.
“For heaven’s sake, talk to a doctor about it and have it tested because if it’s detected early—and I realize this is a bit of a cliché in the medical world—if it’s caught early, you have a chance. If it is too late, you most likely haven’t.
Genuine connection
The Kinver, Staffordshire-based presenter expressed excitement about getting back to work.
The BBC reported that many viewers have written to Midlands Today to inquire about his whereabouts and have been sorely missing him lately.
“As soon as he’s ready, we can’t wait to welcome him back to the studio.”
After his break, Owen claimed he would be “apprehensive,” but “I’m desperate to get back.”
I’m aware that I’m not the youngest. In fact, I believe I’m by a long far the oldest regional TV host in the nation, but I love it, he remarked.
“I have a true connection with the viewers—people you interact with every night on Midlands Today—and you always receive a warm welcome wherever you go.
“My goodness, after 54 years as a journalist and 45 years in television. I am incredibly fortunate. I feel fortunate.
The devoted Luton Town supporter served as chairman of the Kenilworth Road Club for almost ten years.
He received the Baird Medal from the Royal Television Society, Midlands in 2006 for his lifetime of accomplishment in television.
Before joining ATV’s sports division, Owen also held positions at the Birmingham Post and what was then BBC Radio Birmingham.
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