Mock The Week star reveals he is cancer free and returning to the stage ‘very soon’ as he opens up about ‘dark moments’ during treatment

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By HANNAH MCDONALD, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Milton Jones has revealed he is officially cancer free and will be returning to the stage ‘very soon’.  

The Mock The Week comedian, 61, revealed in April that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was at the time preparing to undergo surgery.

In an update on his condition, Milton shared a statement on his Instagram on Friday announcing that he was now cancer-free.

Milton thanked the doctors and nurses who had helped him get better, as well as his loved-ones for supporting him, as well as revealing he would be returning to the stage soon for his rescheduled tour dates. 

Getting candid in the post, Milton went on to open up about the ‘dark moments’ during his treatment.

He admitted that there were times during treatment where he ‘wondered if anyone would ever see me again’.

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Milton Jones revealed he is officially cancer free and will be returning to the stage ‘very soon’ in a statement on Instagram on Friday 

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The Mock The Week comedian, 61, revealed in April that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was at the time preparing to undergo surgery

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His statement read: ‘A few months ago I had to stop my tour because I needed treatment for prostate cancer. I’m glad to say I’ve had that treatment and am now cancer free.   

‘So many thanks to all the doctors and nurses who helped me get better – I couldn’t do their job, I tried, but apparently you have to be qualified.   

‘A big thank you to my family, friends, all those who helped reschedule things and the many others who have been so nice to me. Along with all those who have kept hold of their tickets for the shows that have been rescheduled and apologies to those whose shows we were unable to move.’

He added: ‘I have to admit there were a few dark moments when I wondered if anyone would ever see me again, but then I released I was leaning against the light switch. 

‘Thankfully I’m now in a completely different place and if you look at my website you’ll see that very soon I’ll be in lots of other different places on your tour, I hope to see you there.’

Announcing his shock diagnosis earlier this year, Milton revealed he would be cancelling a string of tour days.

While Milton declared his cancer was ‘treatable’, he said he needed to focus on his recovery after surgery as he vowed to return to the stage as soon as possible. 

He said in a statement at the time: ‘I’m so sorry about this, but I need to announce the cancellation of several dates from my ongoing Ha!Milton live tour.

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In an update on his condition, Milton shared a statement on his Instagram on Friday announcing that he was now cancer-free

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Getting candid in the post, Milton went on to open up about the ‘dark moments’ during his treatment

‘The affected shows are in Leeds, Coventry, Basingstoke, Sterts, Launceston, Durham, Hexham, Ilkley, Wakefield, Lichfield, Tunbridge Wells, Portsmouth, and Lyme Regis which were all due to take place this summer.

‘This difficult decision comes following a recent diagnosis of treatable prostate cancer. I’ll be undergoing surgery soon and will need time afterwards to fully recover.

‘In addition, the Summer dates in Colchester, Bridlington, Stroud, and London will be rescheduled to the Autumn. 

‘All dates currently scheduled for the Autumn leg of the tour remain unaffected. Ticket holders for the cancelled shows will be contacted directly by the venue box office.

‘Thanks for your support and respecting my privacy during this time. This decision has not been taken lightly. Trust me. 

‘Abnormal service will resume as soon as possible and I’m looking forward to being back out on the road again soon – though probably not on a bike! Milton x’

Fans flocked to the comments to share well-wishes following his shock cancer diagnosis, including Sir Chris Hoy.

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While Milton declared at the time his cancer was ‘treatable’, he said he needed to focus on his recovery after surgery as he vowed to return to the stage as soon as possible

The Olympian, 49, who has terminal prostate cancer, wrote: ‘Really sorry to hear it mate, best of luck ❤️’

The legendary cyclist was diagnosed in September 2023 after a routine check on a shoulder strain led doctors to discover he had a tumour, before a further scan revealed the primary cancer to be in his prostate which had spread to his bones. 

Despite undergoing chemotherapy, the seven-time Olympic medalist was told he had only two to four years to live after making the prognosis public last October. 

Milton’s career skyrocketed after he won the coveted Perrier Award at the Festival in 1996.

Nowadays, he is renowned for his one-liners on BBC Two’s Mock The Week. 

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?

How many people does it kill? 

More than 11,800 men a year – or one every 45 minutes – are killed by the disease in Britain, compared with about 11,400 women dying of breast cancer.

It means prostate cancer is behind only lung and bowel in terms of how many people it kills in Britain. 

In the US, the disease kills 26,000 men each year.

Despite this, it receives less than half the research funding of breast cancer and treatments for the disease are trailing at least a decade behind.

How many men are diagnosed annually?

Every year, upwards of 52,300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK – more than 140 every day.   

How quickly does it develop? 

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs someone has it for many years, according to the NHS. 

If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, a policy of ‘watchful waiting’ or ‘active surveillance’ may be adopted. 

Some patients can be cured if the disease is treated in the early stages.

But if it is diagnosed at a later stage, when it has spread, then it becomes terminal and treatment revolves around relieving symptoms.

Thousands of men are put off seeking a diagnosis because of the known side effects from treatment, including erectile dysfunction.

Tests and treatment

Tests for prostate cancer are haphazard, with accurate tools only just beginning to emerge. 

There is no national prostate screening programme as for years the tests have been too inaccurate.

Doctors struggle to distinguish between aggressive and less serious tumours, making it hard to decide on treatment.

Men over 50 are eligible for a ‘PSA’ blood test which gives doctors a rough idea of whether a patient is at risk.

But it is unreliable. Patients who get a positive result are usually given a biopsy which is also not fool-proof. 

Scientists are unsure as to what causes prostate cancer, but age, obesity and a lack of exercise are known risks. 

Anyone with any concerns can speak to Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org