Former BBC Breakfast presenter, Bill Turnbull, has died at the age of 66, following his long battle with prostate cancer.
His family revealed the news in a statement saying: “Following a challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Suffolk surrounded by his family on Wednesday 31 August.
“Bill was diagnosed in 2017 and has had outstanding medical care from the Royal Marsden and Ipswich hospitals, St Elizabeth hospice and his GP. He was resolutely positive and was hugely buoyed by the support he received from friends, colleagues, and messages from people wishing him luck. It was a great comfort to Bill that so many more men are now testing earlier for this disease.
“Bill will be remembered by many as a remarkable broadcaster who brought warmth and humour into people’s homes on BBC Breakfast and Classic FM. He was also a devoted Wycombe Wanderers fan and an ever-aspiring beekeeper.
“Bill was a wonderful husband and father to his three children; his family and friends will miss how he always made them laugh, and the generosity and love he shared with those around him.”
After his diagnosis, Bill Turnbull created a documentary for Channel 4 titled Bill Turnbull: Staying Alive, in which he assessed the use of cannabis oil for medicinal purposes.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. This is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it’s located between the penis and the bladder, and surrounds the urethra.
It is the most common cancer in men within the UK and 40,000 new cases are diagnosed and around 11,000 men die from it each year.
The chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older with the majority of cases developing in men aged 50 or above.
Main symptoms include an increased need to pee and straining while you pee.
There is not a single test for prostate cancer, however the most commonly used tests for prostate cancer include blood tests, and MRI scan and a biopsy.
For more information about prostate cancer, please visit the NHS website
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