Jamie Theakston diagnosed with cancer after listeners notice change in voice
DJ Jamie Theakston has been diagnosed with throat cancer after listeners noticed a change in his voice.
The Heart Breakfast co-host announced on Tuesday that he is suffering from stage one laryngeal cancer.
The 53-year-old said on Instagram: “Hi Folks, as you know – I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal cords.
“The biopsy has identified this as stage 1 Laryngeal cancer. So – I have cancer – but cancer doesn’t have me.
“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.
“Until then I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK [Jason King] and Amanda [Holden].
“Big thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.”
He added: “Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the larynx, also known as the voice box.
On Sept 1, Theakston announced that he had sought medical advice after some listeners noticed there was something different about his voice.
Symptoms of laryngeal cancer include a change in your voice, such as sounding hoarse, according to the NHS.
Other symptoms include pain when swallowing, a lump or swelling in your neck, a long-lasting cough or breathlessness, a persistent sore throat or earache and in the most severe cases, difficulty breathing.
There are more than 2,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer in the UK each year. The condition is more common in those over the age of 60, and is more common in men than women.
After fans noticed his voice appeared to be hoarse, Theakston wrote on Instagram: “Sooo a few of you listeners have noticed my voice hasn’t sounded right these past few weeks – I’ve got you to thank.
“Got it checked. Doctors found a lesion on my vocal cords which I’ve had removed this weekend – thanks for all the kind messages – should be back on my feet soon.”
Theakston shot to fame in the mid-1990s, becoming known for presenting the children’s programme Live & Kicking alongside Zoe Ball from 1996, which he won a Bafta for. He then went on to host Top of the Pops in 1999.
He joined Heart FM in May 2005, following three years at BBC Radio 1.
