Sir Chris Hoy urges men to complete 30-second online check for killer disease

Cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy is urging men to “spark a conversation and check” their risk of prostate cancer using a 30-second online tool.

The Olympian, 48, announced last year that he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer, with doctors suggesting he had between two and four years to live.

He is backing Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker, which has led to thousands of men getting an early diagnosis since it launched in 2022.

And a partnership with Marks & Spencer will see his message shared in stores across the country, including through QR codes in fitting rooms and on menswear pages on the retailer’s website.

Sir Chris said he hoped the initiative would help to “break the stigma” around prostate cancer.

He added: “As men, we know we can be pretty poor at putting our health to the top of our priorities and are reluctant to talk about it, but prostate cancer often has no symptoms.

“Therefore, one simple check really can save lives. So, my ask to everyone is to spark a conversation and check, mate.”

Analysis from Prostate Cancer UK recently revealed that the disease is now England’s most common cancer. Cases rose by a quarter between 2019 and 2023.

One in eight men receive a diagnosis in their lifetimes and some, including Black men, are at particularly high risk.

Sir Chris had no symptoms when he was diagnosed with stage four in September 2023 but did have a family history of the disease which affected his father and grandfather.

Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker can help identify people who are more likely to be diagnosed and could benefit from having a free PSA blood test.

The charity’s chief executive, Laura Kerby, said: “When Sir Chris went public with his prostate diagnosis last year, he made a huge positive impact for men everywhere.

“In the couple of months following Sir Chris’s announcement, 286,000 people used our 30-second online Risk Checker. His bravery has inspired so many men to take action about their prostate cancer risk, and he has undoubtedly saved lives.

“Prostate cancer doesn’t give you signs or symptoms in its earlier stages when it’s more treatable, so awareness is everything.

“That’s why we’re so excited to launch our partnership with Marks & Spencer, which will help us reach thousands of men on high streets up and down the UK, as well as raising vital funds for research projects like our landmark TRANSFORM screening trial.”

M&S will also donate £4 per pack for all men’s Autograph underwear (excluding vests and socks) to Prostate Cancer UK until the end of March.