Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has opened up about his prostate cancer battle, revealing that the disease has spread despite ‘radical’ surgery
ESPN pundit and ex-soccer star Shaka Hislop has bravely disclosed his ongoing fight with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The retired keeper shared his diagnosis publicly, explaining how the disease had progressed even after undergoing extensive surgical intervention.
The 56 year old, who racked up 221 Premier League matches throughout his playing days with the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham, detailed his medical journey and treatment regimen in an emotional Instagram video.
“I have a story to tell,” he began. “Roughly 18 months ago, I went for my annual physical and insisted on a PSA test, as I always do. This time around though my PSA was elevated.
READ MORE: Missing coach suspected of grim crime gave interview days before vanishingREAD MORE: Police confirm ‘new leads’ in pursuit for missing high school coach wanted for grim crime
“An MRI and biopsy quickly determined that I had a fairly aggressive prostate cancer. A year ago, almost to the day, December 6 to be exact, I had a radical prostatectomy. And I thought that was it.
“But then, six months later, my PSA was again on the rise and another scan showed that my prostate cancer had spread to my pelvic bone. I started on medication pretty soon after, and just this morning completed seven-and-a-half weeks of radiation therapy. The journey continues.”
Hislop first made waves at Reading back in 1992 before moving on to play for Newcastle United, West Ham United and Portsmouth. His professional career wrapped up stateside with FC Dallas.
Following his time with England’s youth setup, the London-born goalkeeper ultimately suited up for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup. After hanging up his gloves, the former shot-stopper transitioned into broadcasting and has been a mainstay at ESPN.
He regularly provides analysis for Premier League matches, frequently covering Newcastle United games.
In his announcement, Hislop delivered a heartfelt message, imploring men across the globe to prioritize routine health checks. “Doctors recommend that all men over the age of 50 get their PSA checked regularly,” he stated.
“If you’re of African descent, that age drops to 40. If you’re somewhere like the UK or somewhere else where PSA tests aren’t encouraged, you have got to insist. Having a history of cancer in the family, doesn’t matter.
“I had genetic testing done and it showed no traits in my family, yet this year would show that, without going into too much detail, even that didn’t exclude everybody in my immediate family.
“The highest rate of prostate cancer mortality is in Caribbean men, so allow me to speak to my community, my people. Please, go get tested. Know your PSA, track its history.
“Prostate cancer is survivable if caught early enough. There are treatments for it. Testing saves lives. It saved mine.”
