A BBC radio star has said that he is “grateful” despite feeling “very low” as he shared an emotional health update from bed. Bob Harris, who presents BBC Radio 2’s Country show, has spoken out about his battle with prostate cancer as his co-stars rushed to support him.
The 79-year-old took to Instagram to share a snap of himself lying in bed as he explained that he is still undergoing treatment. He captioned the social media post, writing: “I am so grateful for my cancer treatment but there are times when the side effects are really tough. Feeling very low tonight. Tomorrow I go again…” Some of his 72,000 followers rushed to support him with comments of love and well-wishes. Fellow radio DJ and This Morning star Dermot O’Leary wrote: “You’re the best champ! X”. Meanwhile, former Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball penned: “Darling chap. Sorry to hear today hasn’t been so good. All the love to you. You’re very brave and loved xxxx.”
Heart Breakfast star Amanda Holden said: “Sending love,” while The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman simply commented with a number of red love heart emojis.
Bob was originally diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and took a break from his radio show to undergo radiotherapy at the time. Speaking out back then, he urged other men to get checked as it could “save your life”.
He told the BBC: “I would say to guys when you get into your mid forties, late forties, to start just going to the doctor and get regularly checked. It’s not a big deal. They take a little phial of blood and analyse it. I mean it’s a pinprick, it takes 30 seconds, it could save your life. That’s it.”
While the radio presenter has battled cancer for almost two decades, medical advancements have enabled him to manage the condition. Though, he requires substantial daily medication and periodic intensive treatments.
Bob has previously discussed how the medication’s challenging side effects can make him emotionally vulnerable but he still tries his best to remain positive.
Back in 2019, he said: “I’ve been fighting prostate cancer for 12 years, so I was diagnosed in 2007. I still have quite invasive treatment to keep it at bay.
“But I’m very much on my fitness. I do a lot of walking. I walk about five miles a day if I can. And if I’ve got time to. I try and keep as fit as possible.”
He added: “I have a young family who keep me young. As long as I am healthy and enjoying it all the plan is to keep going.”
