Jeremy Clarkson’s cancer announcement has led to a surge in men checking their risk of the disease.
Clarkson, 66, who is known for his roles on Top Gear and Clarkson’s Farm, revealed he had been diagnosed with “aggressive” prostate cancer, though it was caught early, in the most recent episodes of Clarkson’s Farm.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, affecting one in eight men.
More than 50,000 people used Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker in the week after the television presenter went public with his diagnosis, marking the highest weekly total since February 2025 and a 640% increase on the average week.
It was even higher than the week following former Prime Minister David Cameron’s diagnosis.
The charity’s website also saw a spike in traffic, with 170,813 users in the week following Clarkson’s disclosure – up 74% on a typical week.
In a later interview with The Sunday Times, Clarkson confirmed he is now in remission.
What is prostate cancer and what are the symptoms?
Prostate cancer “affects the prostate gland” which is located under the bladder, the NHS website explains.
It usually affects men who are over 50 years old, and it can be cured if it’s caught early.
Prostate Cancer UK said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
“1 in 8 men will get it, and if you’re Black, your risk is double.”
However, prostate cancer can often present no symptoms to those affected at first.
The NHS adds: “Prostate cancer usually starts to grow on the outer part of the prostate.
“This means it does not press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis (urethra) and cause symptoms, until the cancer has grown or spread.”
If this does happen, you might experience some of the following symptoms:
- difficulty when starting to pee or straining to pee
- having a weak flow of urine
- “stop start” peeing
- needing to pee urgently or often, or both
- feeling like you still need to pee when you’ve just finished
- peeing during the night
Chiara De Biase, fundraising and health strategy director at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “There’s little doubt that Jeremy’s story has struck a chord and we thank him once again for sharing his story last week.
“One in eight men will get prostate cancer.
“All too often men find out by complete chance, too late.
“Thankfully Jeremy’s disease was diagnosed at an earlier stage, but that’s not always the case, sadly.
“Over 10,000 dads, brothers, sons and friends are diagnosed too late for a cure every year.
“It’s why high-profile stories like this are incredibly impactful, but the fact that the responsibility to know if you’re at higher risk of prostate cancer and to act on it still rests entirely on men’s shoulders simply has to change.
When to see your GP about cancer
“We remain committed to finding the safest and most effective way to screen all men for prostate cancer, including our Transform trial, but right now prostate cancer remains the most common cancer without a screening programme.
“The figures over the past seven days have been incredible.
“Since Jeremy selflessly shared his story, more than 50,000 people have completed our award-winning online risk checker over the past week, the biggest weekly spike for a year and a half.
“Our website has shown a massive increase in traffic too, so this all adds up to men taking crucial action, which could save their lives.
“We want a world where no man dies from prostate cancer — and every man gets the personalised care he needs to live a long, full life.
“Thanks to Jeremy and our supporters we are making positive steps in that quest.”
