Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has publicly shared his ongoing battle with prostate cancer, revealing the disease has spread to his pelvic bone. The 56-year-old ex-Newcastle United, West Ham, and Portsmouth player is urging men, particularly those of African and Caribbean descent, to insist on regular PSA testing.
Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Hislop disclosed that his diagnosis came roughly 18 months ago following his annual physical. He insisted on a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which returned an elevated result. Subsequent medical investigations, including an MRI and a biopsy, confirmed he had a "fairly aggressive prostate cancer."
Almost exactly a year ago, on 6 December, the former Trinidad and Tobago international underwent a radical prostatectomy. He initially believed the surgery had resolved the issue. However, six months later, a rising PSA level indicated the cancer had not been eradicated. Further scans confirmed it had metastasised to his pelvic bone.
"I started on medication pretty soon after, and just this morning completed seven and a half weeks of radiation therapy," Hislop stated in a heartfelt Instagram video. "The journey continues."
A Vital Call for Testing and Awareness
Hislop's revelation comes just a week after the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) advised against making routine prostate cancer screening available for most men. Countering this, Hislop delivered a powerful public health message based on his personal experience.
He emphasised that while doctors recommend PSA checks for all men over 50, the recommended age drops to 40 for men of African descent. He strongly advised men in the UK, where PSA tests are not universally encouraged, to insist on the test during medical check-ups.
"Having a history of cancer in the family doesn't matter," he explained, noting that genetic testing showed no familial traits in his case. He highlighted a critical statistic: "The highest rate of prostate cancer mortality is in Caribbean men."
Survival Depends on Early Detection
Directly addressing his community, Hislop implored: "Please, go get tested, know your PSA, track its history." He stressed that prostate cancer is treatable and survivable if detected early. "Testing saves lives," he said. "It saved mine."
Hislop, who represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, is now using his platform to advocate for greater awareness and proactive health measures among men, hoping his story will encourage others to seek potentially life-saving screenings.
