Stephen Fry has revealed he is being treated for prostate cancer. The British actor, comedian, writer, game show host and raconteur announced the news in a video shared via Twitter.
« They took the prostate out, » Fry said, adding, « So far as we know it’s all been got. »
The 60-year-old described the cancer as an « aggressive little bugger, » saying that his Gleason score — a system used to evaluate the severity of prostate cancer — was a nine out of 10.
« I went around saying to myself, ‘I’ve got cancer. Good heavens, Stephen, you’re not the sort of person who gets cancer.’
« I know it’s an old cliché, but you don’t think it’s going to happen to you. »
Fry thanked his friends, family and « divine and darling husband » for their support.
« Here’s hoping I’ve got another few years left on this planet because I enjoy life at the moment and that’s a marvelous thing to be able to say, and I’d rather it didn’t go away, » Fry said.
Fry stepped down as host of the BAFTA Film Awards last month, around the time of his operation. He had hosted the ceremony for 12 years.
« In case you’ve been wondering why I’ve been out of the public eye… I’m sure you haven’t, » he said, laughing.
« For the moment I’m fit and well and happy and I just wanted to let you know because rumors had started to swirl. »
Fry said his doctors believe the early action saved his life and urged « men of a certain age » to think about getting their PSA — prostate-specific antigen — levels checked with a doctor.
He closed the video by saying, « Thank you for listening and watching, and get yourself checked and follow your doctor’s advice. »
