Former BBC star Giles Coren, 55, announces shock prostate cancer diagnosis

Giles Coren, a BBC food critic and radio star has revealed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In an article for The Times, Giles revealed: ‘In the very week that it was announced on the front page of The Times that prostate cancer is now the commonest cancer in England … I have been diagnosed with it!’

The writer detailed the slow process of getting diagnosed after his doctors found a malignant tumour.

Giles explained that his doctor reassured him that he had a ‘slow cancer’ that is incredibly common.

Although he initially refused to have a biopsy, he then agreed to undergo further testing as his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test increased, which can be a dangerous sign.

He was told that he had ‘less than a millimetre [of cancer] in just three of the 21 samples.’ Which does not yet need treatment, but does need to be closely monitored.

The writer told the story of his diagnosis in a comedic fashion in the article headlined: ‘Cancer latest: my prostate is bang on trend’

He highlighted some of the more awkward encounters with doctors during his biopsy and testing.

He revealed he asked his doctor: ‘You’re not going to put your finger up my bum?’

To which the doctor replied: ‘Not unless you especially want me to.’

‘He’s a laugh, my doctor. Very much the GP I deserve,’ reflected Giles.

Giles is best known for being a British columnist, food writer, and television and radio presenter. He has worked as a restaurant critic for The Times since 2002.

He appeared on several food shows including Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word, and presented on The Supersizers and Back in Time for Dinner.

From 2017 until 2022 he also presented Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.

The writer is also the elder brother of journalist Victoria Coren Mitchell, who is married to comedian David Mitchell. His father was also the late journalist Alan Coren.

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