Former BBC broadcaster Bill Turnbull is to embark on a journey with medical cannabis after being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer two years ago.

In the new Channel 4 documentary Bill Turnbull: Staying Alive, the 63-year-old presenter will explore a range of alternative treatments available to people suffering from cancer, including cannabis. In October 2018, Turnbull revealed that he had pleaded with doctors to end his “unbearable” chemotherapy, stating “I just couldn’t bear it any longer”.

Turnbull was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in 2017 after the disease had spread to his hips, pelvis and legs. Stephen Fry will also feature in the documentary, having gone public with his own prostate cancer diagnosis. Earlier this year, Fry was given the all-clear after choosing to undergo surgery to remove the cancer instead of opting for radiation therapy.

Prostate cancer is one of the biggest cancer killers, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 UK men will develop prostate cancer. As a result of high profile figures like Turnbull and Fry going public with their diagnoses, the NHS revealed there has been a 36% jump in patients receiving treatment for urological cancers.

“A debt of gratitude is owed to Bill Turnbull and Stephen Fry for the work they have done to urge men to seek medical advice if they think something isn’t right. The Turnbull and Fry effect could help save lives,” said Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the NHS.30

Source: TheExtract.