World Cancer Day: Shaka Hislop Sounds the Alarm on Prostate Cancer Testing Protocols
Every year, millions face the daunting reality of cancer, but what if the systems in place to catch it early are fundamentally flawed? Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has raised serious concerns about the lack of regular and standardized prostate cancer testing in the United Kingdom, describing the current protocols as "alarming."
At 56 years old, Hislop was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 after he proactively requested a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test during his annual medical check-up in the United States. In the UK, routine PSA tests are not part of the National Health Service's offerings; instead, they are typically available only to men over the age of 50 or those exhibiting specific symptoms.
Research from Prostate Cancer UK reveals that one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives, with black men facing an even higher risk—one in four. This stark statistic highlights an urgent need for change in the testing protocols, especially as the disease continues to impact certain ethnic communities disproportionately.
In a conversation with BBC Radio 5 Live's Breakfast program, Hislop expressed disbelief that standardized testing is not yet commonplace, particularly given the widespread knowledge about prostate cancer and its prevalence among minority groups. He stated, "I honestly can't believe that it is still a thing given all we know of prostate cancer and its prominence, particularly in the minority community."
Hislop continued, "To have that not be a regular and standardized test as offered to people regardless of whether they have any family history or not, I find alarming. I have no history of prostate cancer in my family yet here I am having been diagnosed and treated for it."
Following his diagnosis, Hislop approached his battle with cancer with the same tenacity he displayed throughout his career, which included stints at six different clubs in England, such as West Ham and Newcastle. He acknowledged, however, that coping with the illness has been particularly challenging for his wife, who has her own emotional connection to the disease; her father passed away from prostate cancer. "I can't imagine what my wife was going through when she heard my news," said Hislop. "She had to deal with that and still be strong for me."
For Hislop, the fight against cancer feels much like competing in a football match. "For me, it was slightly different in that I understand why they say fight cancer, because that was the only emotion I felt: 'All right, this is a fight.' And that's exactly the way I saw it. This was me against cancer—or me and a surgical team against cancer. That was my mindset. I never felt beaten or demoralized. I just focused solely on the fight ahead, much like how I would approach a football game."
He acknowledged that many individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer experience a tough emotional blow at first, but he processed his situation differently. "I just felt this was a fight. Here we go. Let's, you know, put the gloves on and have a go at this."
Hislop is not alone in his call for healthcare reform. In 2024, Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medalist, echoed these sentiments, stating it would be a "no-brainer" to lower the age at which men could request PSA tests. Hoy himself received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, which had metastasized to his bones, and was given a prognosis of two to four years to live.
In November 2025, the UK National Screening Committee opted against recommending mass screening for prostate cancer via the NHS, citing concerns that the primary screening test is "not very reliable" and could lead to "over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting addressed this issue on BBC Radio 5 Live, indicating that the government is still evaluating the evidence regarding prostate cancer screening. Streeting remarked, "It's not done and dusted. On one hand, we know there are massive health inequalities in this space, particularly for black men. On the other hand, we wouldn't want to end up in a situation where we've got a bunch of men walking around impotent or incontinent because we've over-treated or unnecessarily treated."
Hislop remains hopeful that by sharing stories of ex-athletes battling prostate cancer, awareness and education about the disease will increase. "Cancer can affect anyone. The earlier you catch it—whatever the cancer is—the better your chances of survival. So knowledge is key here. Understanding your own health is absolutely crucial."
He added, "Receiving a cancer diagnosis does not mean it's the end of life. If caught early, you can still lead a full and long life. That's certainly my expectation now. The likes of Sir Chris Hoy, a former athlete who stays in shape, shows that even those who appear healthy can face dire diagnoses if the disease is not detected promptly."
Hislop emphasized the importance of education regarding cancer risks and testing. "Anyone can get cancer. Recognizing this fact, along with understanding that you belong to that group, is vital for getting tested. Early detection significantly enhances your chances of living a fulfilling life."
He concluded, "These two aspects—education on who is at risk and the importance of early testing—are crucial for everyone to know, understand, and discuss."
This interview is part of BBC Radio 5 Live's You, Me and the Big C legacy day. You can listen to a brand new episode of the You, Me and the Big C podcast, now available on BBC Sounds.
