Former Liverpool star John Barnes reveals prostate cancer diagnosis, urges men to seek help

John Barnes, the celebrated former Liverpool and England footballer, has publicly shared his diagnosis of prostate cancer and subsequent surgery to remove his prostate. The 62-year-old is now using his experience to urge men worldwide to confront the stigma surrounding the disease and prioritize their health by seeking timely medical attention.

Barnes revealed his diagnosis during an interview with Times Radio in the United Kingdom. He shared that his children were instrumental in persuading him to undergo testing, a decision that ultimately led to the discovery and treatment of his cancer. "A lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man. But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person, and you’re around, and that’s the main thing," Barnes stated, addressing the common reluctance among men to seek help for health issues.

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A lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man. But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person, and you’re around, and that’s the main thing.

The former striker highlighted that prostate cancer remains a taboo subject for many men, despite being the most common cancer diagnosed in men globally. He contrasted this with the open support for breast cancer awareness among women. "We support women with breast cancer, and it’s not even an issue…Whereas with men, the government say, ‘yeah, prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward and in black men it’s more prevalent’. Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it," he explained.

Barnes, widely regarded as one of Liverpool's greatest players, spent a decade at the club from 1987 to 1997. During his tenure, he helped the team secure two league titles, two FA Cups, and a League Cup, scoring 108 goals in 407 appearances. He reported that he is recovering well following his surgery.

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We support women with breast cancer, and it’s not even an issue…Whereas with men, the government say, ‘yeah, prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward and in black men it’s more prevalent’. Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it.