RADIO presenter Jamie Theakston has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer.
The 53-year-old, who presents on Heart Radio, said radio listeners became aware of the illness after noticing a change in his voice – prompting him to seek medical advice.
5
Jamie Theakston reveals he has cancer Credit: Getty
5
The star will take a break from Heart RadioCredit: PA: Press Association
5
Jamie with wife Sophie Siegle Credit: Rex
Jamie, who co-hosts the breakfast show with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, has been on hiatus following surgery on his vocal cords.
Sharing a health update with fans on Instagram, the radio star confirmed who will be replacing him and when he will be back.
He said: “Hi guys, as you know – I recently had surgery to remove a lesion on my vocal cords.
“The biopsy identified this as stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
“So, I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me!
“The forecasts are very positive and I hope to be back with you in October.
“Until then, I’m told to keep my voice down and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda.
“A big thank you to them and the entire Global family who have been incredibly supportive.
“Be thankful for this day, and the next time we meet, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
According to the NHS website, cancer of the larynx affects your speech system.
How a ‘squeaky throat’ can be a sign of cancer – and 3 more symptoms you need to check immediately
The main treatments for throat cancer include radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted cancer drugs.
Jamie’s co-star Amanda spoke about Jamie’s health on the show.
Shortly after Jamie’s announcement, an emotional Amanda said live on air: “We share everything with you on this show, the highs and the lows.
“So it seems only right that we keep you fully informed of what is going on.
“You may have seen on Jamie’s social media that he recently had surgery to remove a lesion from his vocal cords and we wanted to let you know that this biopsy was actually identified as stage one laryngeal cancer.
“Even though it’s been identified as cancer, it’s not all bad news.”
Amanda continued: “He told us we had to hold down the fort and he told us the show had to go on and that’s absolutely what we were going to do.
“We’re going to make him proud. He, Sophie and the boys are listening at home and I know that after this announcement, everyone listening will be sending their best wishes to our King.
“Our wonderful Jamie who is getting better and will be back with us soon.”
She also rushed to social media to share her love and support.
Amanda re-shared his post on her story, adding: “We love you @jamie_theakston.”
Key symptoms of throat cancer
THERE are six key symptoms of throat cancer to look out for according to the NHS:
- pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
- a lump or swelling in the neck
- prolonged cough or shortness of breath
- persistent pain in the throat or ear
- high-pitched breathing noise
- in severe cases, difficulty breathing
Other signs also include: bad breath, unintentional weight loss or fatigue (extreme fatigue).
You should see your doctor if you notice that:
- you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks
- you have lost 4 to 5 kg (10 lbs) or more in a short time and you are not on a diet
- you have shortness of breath or a persistent cough, or your breathing becomes noisy (stridor)
- you have pain or difficulty swallowing
- you have any other symptoms that are unusual or that do not go away
It comes just weeks after Jamie revealed he had taken time off his breakfast show to recover from surgery.
In a statement on social media, he explained: “SOOO – a few of you listeners have noticed that my voice hasn’t sounded right in the last few weeks – I made myself say thanks … I checked.
“Doctors found a lesion on my vocal cords which I removed this weekend.
“Thanks for all the kind messages, I should be back on my feet soon – meanwhile…”
Many friends and fans have viewed his recent post to share their get well soon messages.
Carol Vorderman said: “Sending the best Jamie ❤️ thank god your listeners noticed the change in your voice it was all caught early and you will be back and very soon you will all be happy ❤️❤️.”
Strictly’s Oti Mabuse added: “Get well soon.”
MAFS’ Mel Schilling wrote: “Sending all my cancer love and strength to Jamie.”
Jamie has been presenting Heart Breakfast since 2005.
He is a TV presenter, producer and actor – and started his career hosting Top of the Pops between 1998 and 2003.
The star has presented a series of radio shows since the beginning of his career when he was 23 years old.
He has been married to TV producer Sophie Siegle since 2007.
Cancer is scary, but if caught early, it can be treated
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
HEARING the word ‘cancer’ is scary for everyone, you immediately fear the worst.
My family recently had to face the reality of a cancer diagnosis, and it hit me hard.
I was a health journalist for many, many years and I come from a family of doctors so I grew up understanding what this disease can mean.
I have interviewed countless brave cancer patients, each facing their own very personal journeys, some with positive endings, but more often than not, ending up heartbroken.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer, hundreds of symptoms, and many, many different types of treatment, chemotherapy, and side effects.
But what most types of cancer have in common is the fact that the earlier it is detected, the better a person’s chances of survival.
In Jamie Theakston’s case, he was 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 expressed concern that his voice ‘didn’t sound right’.
This prompted Jamie to go to the doctor and get check-ups, which is how his cancer was detected at its earliest stage.
The key piece of information here is ‘stage 1’, this means Jamie’s cancer is contained to his larynx and his vocal cords can still move.
This means that 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 throat cancer will survive their cancer for five years or more.
That’s compared to just 30 percent 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 raise awareness of a disease that does not discriminate and will affect one of us in our lifetime.
Hopefully his case will be an example of one of those positive endings.
So take a note from Jamie’s book and do a quick check-up every month – by regularly checking in with your body and understanding your ‘normal’ you can quickly recognize when things don’t look or feel right.
If you’re concerned about any changes in your body that last more than a few weeks, whether you’re feeling more tired or losing weight without trying, see your doctor for a checkup.
Cancer is scary, but if caught early, it can be treated and people can survive.
For more information about laryngeal cancer, visit the CRUK website.
5
Jamie with Amanda Holden and Ashley Roberts in the studio Credits: instagram
5
Jamie pictured in 2021 outside the officeCredit: PA
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education