Food critic Giles Coren, known for his sharp reviews and presence in the culinary world, recently shared some personal news with the public: he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In a heartfelt statement published on Friday, Coren revealed that he received the news at exactly 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old critic discussed his journey to the diagnosis in an article for The Times, reflecting on his initial steps to seek testing after hearing about the experiences of celebrities like Stephen Fry and Bill Turnbull, both of whom were diagnosed with the disease.
The Road to Diagnosis
Coren had first undergone a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test a few years ago, after becoming more aware of prostate cancer through the high-profile cases of Fry and Turnbull.
His initial PSA test returned a result of four, which, while higher than normal, wasn’t alarmingly high.
According to medical guidelines, a PSA level above 2.5 is considered abnormal, but Coren’s doctor reassured him that prostate cancer is a “slow cancer” and “all men get it if they live long enough.”
Despite this, his doctor still recommended further testing, which led to an MRI scan.
At first, Coren refused a biopsy after the scan’s results came back inconclusive.
However, after his PSA score increased to six and then seven, he agreed to undergo a biopsy at the Royal Free Hospital in North London.
The biopsy revealed that less than a millimeter of cancer had been found in just three of the 21 samples taken.
A Waiting Game
Fortunately, Coren’s doctors have assured him that his condition doesn’t require immediate treatment.
Instead, they will monitor the tumor’s growth over time.
While the news is undoubtedly a shock, Coren remains optimistic and is taking each day as it comes.
He mentioned in his article that the condition is referred to as a “malignant tumor,” though for now, it’s not deemed aggressive enough to need urgent intervention.
Prostate Cancer: A Growing Concern in the UK
Coren’s diagnosis comes at a time when prostate cancer rates in the UK are rising rapidly.
According to a recent report from The Times, prostate cancer has now become the most common type of cancer in the UK, surpassing breast cancer.
Cases have increased by 25% in the last five years, with over 55,000 diagnoses each year between 2017 and 2019.
Cancer Research UK notes that prostate cancer accounts for 28% of all male cancer cases and 14% of all cancer cases in the country.
While prostate cancer is most common in men aged 75 to 79, it remains a significant concern for men of all ages.
This surge in cases highlights the importance of regular screening and early detection, something Coren has advocated for by sharing his personal story.
His openness about the disease may help raise awareness and encourage others to seek testing before symptoms arise.
Coren’s Legacy as a Critic
As for Giles Coren, he continues his work as the restaurant critic for The Times, a position he’s held since 2002.
His candid revelation about his health is a reminder that even those with public personas face personal battles.
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