Presenter found cancer 'in the nick of time'

Steve Rider hosted the BBC's Grandstand and Sportsnight

Sports presenter Steve Rider is raising awareness about prostate cancer as he shares the story of his experience with the disease.

The broadcaster, who hosted the BBC's Grandstand and Sportsnight programmes, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 and got tested after one of his friends was diagnosed.

He said that within five or six weeks he was having an emergency operation before the cancer had had a chance to spread.

"So I found things absolutely in the nick of time, but most importantly I found it by luck," the Kent broadcaster added.

Rider was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023

He says although there is still work to be done, "the last hint of stigma" is being removed.

"People talk about it now, people joke about it now, but most importantly people treat it now," Rider said.

Prostate Cancer UK says one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease, with it being the most common cancer in men.

However, there is no national screening programme and men need to request a blood test from their GP when they are over 50.

Prostate Cancer Research is calling for the government to ensure the NHS screens men who are at high risk and are over the age of 45.

What symptoms should people check for?

Common symptoms include:

• needing to urinate more frequently - particularly at night

• difficulty starting to urinate, weak flow and it taking a long time

• blood in urine or semen

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well - but it is important to have any changes checked.