Giles Coren, the acclaimed BBC food critic and columnist, has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The news, shared in his column for The Times, came as he noted the alarming statistics surrounding men's health, particularly as it was the same week the publication reported prostate cancer to be the most common cancer across England.
On January 30, 2025, Coren disclosed the diagnosis he received at precisely 9:30 AM on January 28, 2025. Following the trend set by celebrities like Stephen Fry and Bill Turnbull, who bravely shared their own cancer battles, Coren sought testing several years ago, raising awareness on the issue.
Initially, his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test registered at four, which is described as "abnormal and facing imminent death" according to medical standards. Coren's doctor informed him of the nature of the cancer, referring to it as "slow cancer"—one often faced by men who live long enough. Despite receiving inconclusive results from his MRI scan and initial reluctance, Coren agreed to undergo biopsies after his score rose first to six and then to seven.
It was revealed through testing at the Royal Free Hospital, North London, where doctors found less than one millimetre of cancer present across three of the 21 samples taken. Fortunately, this diagnosis does not require immediate treatment, but it will be closely monitored as part of his healthcare plan.
Coren, who has been a prestigious columnist for The Times since 2002, is not just recognized for his writing; he has become well-known for various food-focused television programs. He previously presented Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby and received the Food and Drink Writer of the Year award at the British Press Awards back in 2005.
During the process of receiving treatment, Coren embraced humor to navigate some of the more awkward moments he faced with his doctor. He charmingly recounted asking, “You’re not going to put your finger up my bum?” and received the lighthearted response, “Not without you especially wanting me to.” Such anecdotes humanize the often serious nature of medical diagnoses, showcasing Coren's wit even when facing life-altering news.
The seriousness of prostate cancer cannot be overstated. According to Prostate Cancer UK, one in eight men will receive this diagnosis during their lifetime. The organization emphasizes how the odds improve for those aged 50 and above, alongside other risk factors like race and family history. The statistics reveal just how widespread this disease is, with over 44,000 new diagnoses each year across England and tragically over 10,000 deaths linked to it annually. Currently, there are more than 440,000 men living with or beyond prostate cancer within the country.
Giles Coren's personal battle with prostate cancer adds yet another voice to the growing chorus advocating for men’s health awareness. His story serves as both warning and encouragement for men to engage with their health proactively. Organizations such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK play pivotal roles in offering guidance and support to those affected.
Through the blending of candid storytelling and factual enlightenment, Coren's experience reminds readers of the importance of regular health check-ups and being informed about risks related to prostate cancer. By sharing his pathway through diagnosis and treatment, he not only sheds light on the disease but also fosters conversations about men’s health—a topic often shrouded in stigma.
Coren's narrative is timely, encouraging men to take charge of their health and seek information, and perhaps even to share their own stories, illuminating the often isolated experience of dealing with prostate cancer.