In the wake of Jamie Theakston’s cancer diagnosis, the NHS webpage for laryngeal cancer was visited once every 16 seconds, the organisation has said.
The 53-year-old presenter was prompted to seek medical attention after listeners noticed changes to his voice over the past weeks – a common symptom of laryngeal cancer.
Earlier this week, the Heart Radio DJ posted on Instagram: “I have cancer… But cancer doesn’t have me!
“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.”
In the two days after his post, searches for advice on his particular type of cancer were up 1,277%.
Visits to the NHS web page increased by more than 10,000 – with 11,070 views, compared to 804 at the start of the week.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: “We are grateful to Jamie Theakston for speaking out about his cancer diagnosis and wish him well for his treatment.”
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She added: “We know that when caught at an early stage, cancer can be much easier to treat so if you have symptoms or health concerns, please do come forward and get checked.”
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The NHS is currently treating record numbers of people for cancer – almost three million received potentially lifesaving checks in the last year alone.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “It is really positive that Jamie’s cancer has been picked up early and that his announcement has encouraged others to seek advice – talking about cancer and how to spot signs and symptoms helps save lives.”
Theakston revealed a biopsy had identified Stage 1 laryngeal cancer after he had a lesion removed from his vocal cords.
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Following the announcement, his radio co-host Amanda Holden posted a photograph of the pair together on Instagram.
She wrote: “Our wonderful @jamie.theakston has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer. His prognosis is very good and he has an incredible team around him.”
