Jeremy Clarkson, 65, opens up on prostate cancer fears amid health woes
Jeremy Clarkson has candidly shared his experience of undergoing a prostate exam, explaining that the routine check is something he takes seriously after seeing numerous friends affected by the disease.
The Clarkson’s Farm star reflected on the importance of health screenings in his latest Sunday Times column.
Recalling his early years of medical checkups, Clarkson described visits to a former doctor – often arranged by television networks – who he claimed was more interested in boasting about his celebrity clients than discussing medical concerns.
“I can now explain what went on in his surgery, which was: not much,” Clarkson wrote, “because he was too busy name-dropping.”
Now 65, Clarkson said he takes control of his health, opting to fund his own medical assessments “every couple of years.”
While detailing the routine checks he undergoes for various organs – including his liver and testicles – he addressed the prostate exam, which involves a digital rectal examination.
Far from being squeamish about the process, Clarkson emphasised the importance of early detection: “I’ve had too many friends go down with prostate cancer, and all it takes to get on top of the situation early is a moment or two of being a bit cross-eyed,” he said.
“You get the all-clear and the doc goes home happy. What’s not to like?”
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He added that his own recent test brought reassuring results: “I went home very happy because the initial probing and photographing suggests all is well.
“And let me tell you, nothing makes you feel better than knowing for sure you’re not going to drop dead tomorrow morning.”
The subject of prostate cancer also hit close to home on Clarkson’s Farm, where fan-favourite farmhand Gerald Cooper revealed during season three that he had been diagnosed with the illness.
Gerald, known and loved for his thick West Country accent, was shown undergoing treatment – and improving.
In a welcome update, the Clarkson’s Farm team announced in June 2024 that Gerald is now cancer-free.
“A healthy and happy Gerald!” read the caption of a cheerful photo shared on X, showing him wearing a woolly jumper adorned with sheep.
This comes as Clarkson has dealt with several health issues over the past year, including a blocked artery that required emergency surgery and a recent back injury that left him in considerable pain.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK.
It typically develops slowly over time, originating in the prostate gland located just below the bladder, which plays a role in semen production.
Symptoms usually don’t appear until the prostate becomes large enough to impact the urethra, which carries urine out of the body.
In 2022 alone, 50,751 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England.