Stephen Fry had prostate cancer removed in secret op – but QI star reveals it could come back
STEPHEN Fry yesterday revealed he has been fighting prostate cancer after a tumour graded nine out of ten for seriousness was discovered.
The TV veteran confirmed he underwent a life-saving operation in January and is now cancer-free.
Fry, 60, said the tumour was found after his doctor urged him to have a full-body check-up when he had a flu jab before Christmas.
After seeing a top urology specialist, he had the operation to remove the prostate and 11 lymph nodes in the first week of January.
Fry’s last major appearance was on the BBC’s Graham Norton Show at the start of December just weeks before he was diagnosed.
In the 12 minute video he said: “For the last 2 months I’ve been in the throes of a rather unwelcome and unexpected adventure.
“I’m sorry I haven’t felt able to talk about it till now, but here I am explaining what has been going on.”
In the clip, the QI star, who married husband Elliott Spencer, 30, in 2015, revealed he had the surgery in the first week of January.
He is now on the road to recovery as the cancer “doesn’t seem to have spread”.
Fry said: “[I] had the op first week in January. It all seemed to go pretty well… It doesn’t seem to have spread.
“One option was radiotherapy but it’s a long process.
“The other was to get rid of the prostate by sending little robots in through tiny holes in the stomach.
“They took the prostate out, and eleven lymph nodes. This was clearly was an aggressive little bugger.
Killer that can stay hidden for years
PROSTATE cancer can go undetected for years because it often has no symptoms.
Some sufferers might have problems urinating but they can be mild and happen over many years.
Anyone over 50 — or over 45 if in a higher-risk group — should talk to a doctor if they have any concerns:
- One in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point.
- Prostate cancer mainly affects those over 50.
- Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men. In the UK, about one in four black men will get prostate cancer.
- You are two-and-a-half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it.
- Your risk is higher if your mother or sister has had breast cancer.
For more information, visit or speak to one of their specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383.
“If you’re wondering why I’ve been out of the public eye – I’m sure you haven’t – I wanted to recover out of the public eye.”
He explained that there is a chance of the cancer coming back, but for now he’s fit and well.
Fry added: “So far as we know it’s all been got…
“We won’t know for sure until [I have tests], but if there’s anything left on the bed of the prostate where they have taken it out, then maybe that will spread and I’ll need radiotherapy and the whole thing will start all over again…
“For the moment I’m fit and well and happy.”
The actor and TV star has been supported by his husband Elliott, and a handful of close friends he told about his health battle.
Fry added: “It’s all pretty undignified… but my darling husband and few friends that have known have been very kind about it…
'Robot' surgery reduces trauma
By Carol Cooper, Sun Doctor
THE Gleason Score indicates how aggressive a cancer is and nine means a high-grade tumour, so medics removed Stephen Fry’s whole prostate and nearby lymph nodes.
Robot-assisted surgery has made such tricky operations more feasible and less traumatic but it is still a major procedure with short-term and long-term effects.
If the nerves around the prostate are affected by the cancer or the surgery, then erection problems can result.
Problems controlling weeing can also follow although both can improve in time, especially with physiotherapy for the pelvic muscles. There are not many dietary restrictions although it is best at first to avoid fizzy drinks and foods that produce wind.
Some men need hormone therapy. This can lead to weight gain and hot flushes.
“Cancer is a word that rings in your head: ‘Good heavens Stephen, you’re not supposed to have cancer’.
“You don’t think it could to happen to you – cancer is something happens to other people.”
The favourite of shows like QI, Blackadder and with comedy partner Hugh Laurie, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder aged 37.
He has previously spoken of his long-running battle with mental illness and has attempted suicide several times.
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