A former Liverpool and England striker, John Barnes, has revealed that his prostate was removed after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Speaking to Times Radio, Barnes said that he has been doing “fine” after the procedure.
Barnes, 62, also said: “Not many people know and it’s a bit of a taboo subject because we support women with breast cancer and it’s not even an issue.”
“Whereas with men, the government say, ‘yeah, prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward and in black men it’s more prevalent.’ Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it. So it’s a good thing that that has come out.”
“A lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man. But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person and you’re around and that’s the main thing,” he also said.
Barnes enjoyed a hugely successful career at Liverpool, where he won two league titles, two FA Cups and the League Cup during his decade at the club from 1987 to 1997. He also scored 108 goals in 407 appearances.
For England, Barnes won 79 caps and scored 10 goals.
Prostate Cancer UK fundraising and health strategy director Chiara De Biase said in a statement: “We’re so grateful to John for talking so openly about his prostate cancer diagnosis and we’re happy to hear he’s had successful treatment.”
On Tuesday, the former Liverpool manager and player Sir Kenny Dalglish, 75, revealed he is undergoing treatment for cancer.
-ESPN