Michael Parkinson

Michael Parkinson's cancer specialist has assured him he will not die of the prostate cancer he was diagnosed with in May. The legendary chat show host, 78, is expected to be given the all-clear within weeks after spotting the cancer early. "I had to start calling a few of my social engagements to tell them I couldn't do it - what do you say to them?" he said, "When you are told you have something like cancer, it is a shock."

Nevertheless, Parkinson is remaining optimistic and says his specialist assures him the cancer is confined to his prostate, "The cancer specialist said: 'I will assure you, you will not die of this.' I am concerned about it, of course, but I am not frightened of it" adding, "I shall be around for a while yet, to the delight of my friends and the dismay of my enemies."

More than 40,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer and around 250,000 are currently living with the disease. Common symptoms include frequent trips to the toilet though reduce flow of urine. Sir Michael has been outspoken on the need for men to pay attention to their health in a bid to catch diseases early. He said: "The test is if you can pee against a wall from 2ft, you haven't got it..I don't want to trivialise it, but men know when there's a problem. I have been lucky, but men are silly about their health.Get it checked out - it might be something else."

Continue reading: Michael Parkinson's Doctor: "I Assure You, You Will Not Die Of This"