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BILL'S BRAVERY

Bill Turnbull helped save hundreds of lives after speaking publicly about his incurable cancer diagnosis

BILL Turnbull has revealed that speaking about his incurable cancer diagnosis has helped save hundreds of lives.

The former BBC Breakfast presenter was told he had prostate cancer in November 2017.

 Bill Turnbull has revealed he's helped save many people's lives because of speaking publicly about his own battle with cancer
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Bill Turnbull has revealed he's helped save many people's lives because of speaking publicly about his own battle with cancerCredit: PA:Press Association

Bill, 62, made the decision to go public after realising that speaking out could help others.

And now he’s revealed he regularly receives letters from people who thank him for encouraging them to get checked.

Speaking to , Bill explained: “A lot of men got in touch to say they had gone to get checked.

And a number of wives told me they’d made their husbands go.

 The former BBC Breakfast host, here with Susanna Reid in 2012, was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in November 2017
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The former BBC Breakfast host, here with Susanna Reid in 2012, was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in November 2017Credit: PA:Press Association
BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin tells co-host Dan Walker that friend Bill Turnball is remaining really upbeat

“Some have written to let me know what happened next.

“'Dear Bill, I thank you for my husband’s life. After watching you on television a few months ago my husband reluctantly went for a PSA blood test.

“'He was found to have ­prostate cancer and had his prostate removed. He has had the all-clear'.”

Bill added: “What can you say to that? It doesn’t make ­everything worthwhile, but it certainly helps to know that someone will stay alive as a result of my ­experience.”

 Bill, 62, has urged men to get checked for the disease
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Bill, 62, has urged men to get checked for the disease

The TV presenter has undergone chemotherapy to try and stop the cancer, which has spread to his legs, spine, hips and pelvis.

He added: “It’s there all day, every day – a fact of life you have to get used to. And it’s a massive pain in the backside.”

Calling the battle “relentlessly boring” he said he hadn’t lost his sense of humour.

He quipped: “If love could have cured me, I’d be a healthy man now.”

This week's Radio Times is available now.


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