Presenter Jeremy Clarkson and former Prime Minister Lord Cameron have been widely recognised for their role in raising awareness about prostate cancer, prompting more men to evaluate their personal risk. The so-called “Clarkson-Cameron effect” refers to the surge in men using Prostate Cancer UK’s quick online risk checker following their public disclosure of prostate cancer diagnoses.
The charity reported receiving messages from men motivated to check their risk after hearing these high-profile stories, with some cases resulting in early diagnoses that have been described as lifesaving.
Clarkson, who revealed his diagnosis during an episode of Clarkson’s Farm, described sharing his experience as “worthwhile” if it encourages even one man to address the issue. At 66, he is currently in remission after being diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer on the show’s latest series.
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Lord Cameron has expressed his full support for all initiatives that raise awareness of the disease. Data from Prostate Cancer UK indicated that nearly 50,880 men completed their online risk checker within a week of Clarkson’s announcement, a significant increase from the 8,425 the previous week.
Clarkson stated, “I feel incredibly lucky that my cancer was caught early. It’s why I’m still here today, feeling fine and looking forward to seeing my grandchildren grow up.”
He added, “If my story gets even one bloke to stop ignoring the issue and do something about it, then it’s been worthwhile. To hear that actually tens of thousands of men have already taken the risk checker is something to be hugely proud of. But there’s still plenty more to do. So, I’ll keep saying it: if you’re a man, check your risk. It only takes a couple of minutes and it could save your life.”
Following Lord Cameron’s announcement, 22,562 men completed the risk checker the next day, compared with 2,175 the previous Monday.
Lord Cameron highlighted the importance of awareness, saying, “Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK, so it is vital that men are aware of their own risk profile. This is particularly important as, regrettably, we do not yet have a proper, national, targeted screening programme that involves all those at higher risk.”
He continued, “I wholeheartedly support all efforts to raise awareness. Prostate Cancer UK’s risk checker is a quick and simple online tool that I encourage all men to use. Catching cancers early is the best possible way to boost the chances of successful treatment like I received, so being aware of your risk to the disease is essential.”
The charity also noted that 280,000 men checked their risk in the two months following Sir Chris Hoy’s diagnosis. Since its launch in 2020, Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker has been completed by more than five million men.
Amy Rylance, director of health services, equity and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, emphasised the ongoing challenges: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, but too many men are still being diagnosed by chance and, sadly, often too late for a cure. Our risk checker helps men navigate this complex disease, empowering them with a clear way to understand their risk and options.”
She added, “We hear from many men who say celebrity diagnoses, like those of Jeremy Clarkson and Lord Cameron, inspired them to check their risk and, in some cases, saved their lives. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has publicly shared their experiences, shining a light on this disease that is much easier to treat when found earlier and sparking many lifesaving conversations.”
Rylance concluded, “We know men need a safe and effective screening programme. Prostate Cancer UK’s Transform trial will provide the evidence needed to make this a reality and give every man a chance for early diagnosis. Until then, public figures sharing their stories play a crucial role in helping men and their families across the country, and we thank them for their vital work.”