Rod Stewart reveals secret prostate cancer battle: ‘I’m in the clear now, simply because I caught it early’

Sir Rod Stewart has revealed he has beaten prostate cancer after being diagnosed with the disease three years ago.

While appearing at a fundraising event, the 74-year-old said that he had learned of his diagnosis in February 2016 following a routine medical check-up, and had gone into remission in July.

“No one knows this, but I thought this was about time I told everybody,” he said. “I’m in the clear now, simply because I caught it early. I have so many tests.”

Addressing men in the audience, Stewart said: “Guys, you’ve got to really go to the doctor. Finger up the bum, no harm done.”

Stewart appeared at the event, raising money for the Prostate Project and European Tour Foundation, alongside his former Faces bandmates Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones.

Prostate Project president Tim Sharp told The Mirror: “Experience has shown what a big difference high-profile celebrities can make when they ‘come out’ about their cancer. Stephen Fry and Bill Turnbull revealing their battles with prostate cancer are a good case in point.

“We have no doubt that Sir Rod’s decision to announce his fight with the disease will be equally effective.”

Fry underwent surgery for prostate cancer after being diagnosed in 2017, saying earlier this year that he had “dodged a bullet” after the disease was picked up during a routine check-up.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one in eight UK males getting the disease at some point in their lives. The disease mostly affects men over the age of 50. Unlike most cancers, signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are often not obvious, meaning regular check-ups are advised. More information can be found here.