RADIO host Jamie Theakston has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
The 53-year-old, who presents on Heart Radio, said the disease was spotted by radio listeners after they noticed a change in his voice – leading to him seeking medical advice.
Jamie, who presents the breakfast show alongside Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, has been on a break from work after undergoing surgery to his vocal chords.
Sharing a health update with fans on Instagram, the radio star confirmed who will replace him and when he will be back.
He said: “Hi folks, as you know – I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal chords.
“The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal cancer.
“So I have cancer but cancer doesn’t have me!
“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.
“Until then, I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda.
“Huge thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.
“Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
According to the NHS website, laryngeal cancer affects your voice box.
The main treatments for throat cancer include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted cancer medicines.
Jamie’s co-star Amanda spoke about Jamie’s health update on the show.
Shortly after Jamie’s announcement, an emotional Amanda said live on air: “We share everything with you on this show, the ups and the downs.
“So, it feels only right that we get you completely up to speed with what’s going on.
“You might have seen on Jamie’s socials, he recently had an operation to remove a lesion from his vocal cords and we wanted to let you know that this biopsy has actually been identified as stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
“Even though it has been identified as cancer, it is not all bad news.”
Amanda continued: “He has told us that we have got to hold the fort and he has told us that the show must go on and absolutely that’s what we’re going to do.
“We’re going to do him proud. Him and Sophie and the boys, they’re listening at home and I know after this announcement all of those listening are going to be sending your best wishes to our King.
“Our lovely Jamie who is going to be better and back with us soon.”
She also rushed to social media to share her love and support.
Amanda reshared his post on her story and added: “We love you @jamie_theakston.”
Key symptoms of laryngeal cancer
THERE are six key symptoms of laryngeal cancer to look out for according to the NHS:
Other signs also include: bad breath, unintentional weight loss, or fatigue (extreme tiredness).
You should see your doctor if you notice you:
- pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
- a lump or swelling in your neck
- a long-lasting cough or breathlessness
- a persistent sore throat or earache
- a high-pitched wheezing noise when you breathe
- in severe cases, difficulty breathing
- have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks
- have lost 4 to 5 kg (10lbs) or more in a short time and you are not dieting
- are short of breath or have a cough that doesn’t go away, or your breathing becomes noisy (stridor)
- have pain or difficulty swallowing
- have any other symptoms that are unusual for you or that don’t go away
It comes just weeks after Jamie revealed he was taking a break from his breakfast show to recover from surgery.
In a statement on social media, he explained: “Sooo – a few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn’t sounded right these past few weeks – I’ve got you to thank… got it checked.
“Doctors found a lesion on my vocal chords which I’ve had removed this weekend.
“Thanks for all the kind messages should be back on my feet soon – in the meantime…”
Many friends and fans have taken to his recent post to share their get well soon messages.
Carol Vorderman said: “Sending best Jamie ❤️ thank goodness your listeners spotted the change in your voice, all found early and you’ll be back keeping everyone happy very soon ❤️❤️.”
Strictly’s Oti Mabuse added: “Get well soon.”
MAFS’ Mel Schilling wrote: “Sending all my love & cancer-kicking strength Jamie.”
Jamie has presented Heart Breakfast since 2005.
He is a TV presenter, producer and actor – and started off his career presenting Top of the Pops between 1998 and 2003.
The star has presented a number of radio shows since starting his career when he was 23.
He’s been married to TV producer Sophie Siegle since 2007.
Cancer is terrifying, but caught early it can be treated
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
HEARING the word ‘cancer’ is terrifying for anyone, you immediately fear the worst.
My family recently had to face the reality of a cancer diagnosis, and it floored me.
I’ve been a health journalist for many, many years and I come from a family of medics so I’ve grown up understanding what this disease can mean.
I’ve interviewed countless brave cancer patients, each facing their own very personal journeys, some with positive endings but more often than not, they’ve ended in heartbreak.
There are over 200 different types of cancer, hundreds of symptoms and many, many different types of treatment, chemo and side effects.
But what most cancers have in common is the fact that the earlier they are caught, the better a person’s chances are of surviving.
In Jamie Theakston’s case, he has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer that starts in the voice box.
The star praised listeners of his Heart Radio show, who raised concerns that his voice ‘hadn’t sounded right’.
It prompted Jamie to see a doctor and get checked, and in doing so his cancer was detected at the earliest stage.
The key piece of information here is ‘stage 1’, it means Jamie’s cancer is contained within his larynx and his vocal cords are still able to move.
It means his cancer has not spread to nearby tissues, his lymph nodes or other organs.
And according to Cancer Research UK, around 90 per cent of people diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer will survive their cancer for five years or more.
That compares to just 30 per cent of people diagnosed at stage 4, when the cancer has already spread.
Like all celebrities who choose to share their cancer diagnosis, Jamie will no doubt help to raise awareness of a disease that doesn’t discriminate and will affect one in two of us in our lifetime.
And his case will hopefully be an example of one of those positive endings.
So take a note out of Jamie’s book, and give yourself a quick MOT each month – by regularly checking your body, and understanding your ‘normal’ you can quickly identify when things don’t look or feel right.
If you’re worried about any changes to your body that persist for more than a few weeks, be it feeling more tired, or losing weight without trying, see your doctor and get checked.
Cancer is terrifying, but caught early it can be treated and people do survive.
For more information about laryngeal cancer visit CRUK website.
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Source: USA Today
