Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has revealed that he has a serious type of prostate cancer. He also urged men, especially those with Caribbean roots, to get checked early.
The 56-year-old former Newcastle and West Ham star posted a video on Instagram where he explained that he has just finished almost two months of radiation treatment.
Hislop said that about 18 months ago, during his yearly check-up, he asked for a PSA test — a simple blood test that can show signs of prostate problems. This time, the results were higher than normal. Further scans and tests quickly showed he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
A year ago, in December, he had surgery to remove his prostate and thought the cancer was gone. But six months later, his PSA levels started rising again, and another scan showed the cancer had spread to a bone in his pelvis. He then started medication and has now completed seven and a half weeks of radiation treatment. He said the fight is not over yet.
Hislop shared a video of himself ringing a bell in the hospital to celebrate finishing the treatment.
Experts say that prostate cancer affects one in four men of African or Caribbean descent — much higher than the rate for white men.
Speaking directly to his community, Hislop said:
“Please go and get checked. Know your PSA levels and keep track of them. Prostate cancer can be treated if it’s found early. Getting tested saved my life.”
