Liverpool legend John Barnes discusses 'taboo subject' following prostate cancer treatment
· Yahoo Sports
John Barnes has disclosed that he underwent a prostatectomy following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The former England and Liverpool forward, 62, broke the news to fans during an appearance on Times Radio.
Visit turconews.click for more information.
Barnes revealed that "not many people know" about his illness, but confirmed that he is now "fine."
- Budget-friendly Costco faces backlash with $39,100 FIFA World Cup ticket package
- FIFA boss Gianni Infantino stands by $2 million World Cup tickets with hot dog promise
"I've had prostate cancer, I've had my prostate out, not many people know and it's a bit of a taboo subject because we support women with breast cancer and it's not even an issue," he told Times Radio.
"Whereas with men, the government say, 'Yeah, prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward, and in black men it's more prevalent.' Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it. So it's a good thing that that has come out,"
Barnes, who enjoyed a remarkable 10-year stint as a forward at Liverpool and earned 79 caps for England throughout his playing days, went on to address the stigma surrounding treatment.
He continued: "A lot of men don't want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man. But you're not, you're exactly the same, you're the same person and you're around and that's the main thing."
Barnes made his diagnosis public following an invitation for all Black men between the ages of 45 and 74 to participate in a prostate cancer screening trial, with the former England great characterizing the government initiative as a "good thing."
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
Prostate Cancer UK's Fundraising and Health Strategy Director, Chiara De Biase, voiced her appreciation to Barnes for speaking out, stating: "We're so grateful to John for talking so openly about his prostate cancer diagnosis, and we're happy to hear he's had successful treatment. By sharing their stories, high-profile football figures affected by prostate cancer, like John and Chris Hughton, help us spread the message and galvanise the football community.
"John's story is ultimately a positive one. But it's also a timely reminder of the dangers of prostate cancer. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and your risk intensifies if you're Black or have a family history, like John. But it can be curable if found early.
"As the UK's biggest public funder of prostate cancer research, Prostate Cancer UK is proud to be powering the breakthroughs that will make screening a reality.
"And we're delighted that the Government has today more than doubled its support for our groundbreaking £60m TRANSFORM trial, allowing us to reach tens of thousands more Black men and generate the vital evidence we need to ensure those at highest risk are diagnosed earlier, when treatment is most effective. That will give our dads, mates, and partners the best chance of living longer, healthier lives."