In a recent and heartfelt update, Jamie Theakston has shared news about his health with his fans.
The well-known Heart Radio presenter, 53, took to Instagram to reveal that he has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
Jamie explained that he first visited his doctor after listeners pointed out that his voice sounded different.
Early Diagnosis and Positive Outlook
Jamie shared in his post that after undergoing surgery to remove a lesion from his vocal cords, a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
He reassured his fans with an upbeat message, stating, “So I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me!”
Jamie expressed optimism about his recovery, adding that his prognosis is positive and he hopes to return to the airwaves by October.
For now, he’s been advised to rest his voice, leaving his listeners in the capable hands of his co-hosts JK and Amanda.
He thanked his family, friends, and the Global Radio team for their incredible support and added a heartfelt message to his fans, saying, “Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
Listener Awareness and The Importance of Getting Checked
Back on September 1, Jamie had mentioned that he went to the doctor after listeners noticed something off with his voice.
Their concern prompted him to get checked out, leading to the discovery of the lesion.
Jamie expressed his gratitude to those who spoke up and urged others to listen to their bodies.
Laryngeal cancer, as Jamie explained, affects the larynx, or voice box.
According to the NHS, symptoms can include hoarseness, pain when swallowing, neck lumps, a persistent sore throat, or difficulty breathing.
Jamie’s early detection and treatment underscore the importance of paying attention to these signs.
Support from Colleagues and Loved Ones
After Jamie’s diagnosis, his co-host Amanda posted a touching message of support on Instagram.
She emphasized that Jamie’s prognosis is very good and praised the strong team he has around him.
Amanda, along with Jamie’s wife Sophie and their two sons, have been rallying behind him during this time.
Amanda concluded her post with, “Jamie, we love and miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon.”
Jamie’s Career and Family Life
Jamie Theakston has been a familiar face and voice in British media for decades.
He first rose to fame in the 1990s when he co-hosted the popular children’s show Live & Kicking with Zoe Ball, and later went on to present Top of the Pops.
In 2005, Jamie made the transition to radio, joining Heart FM after several successful years at BBC Radio 1.
His work has earned him a BAFTA and numerous awards for his contributions to radio.
Jamie and his wife, Sophie Siegle, have been married since 2007.
They live in Chiswick, west London, with their two sons, Sidney and Kit.
The couple met in 2006 at the Oscars and have been inseparable since.
Their family is undoubtedly a great source of strength for Jamie as he navigates this chapter of his life.
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngeal cancer, which Jamie is currently battling, affects the voice box and can present with various symptoms, including voice changes, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing.
The condition is more common in men and in people over the age of 60.
In the UK, over 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
As Jamie takes time to rest and recover, his fans and colleagues eagerly await his return, confident that he will overcome this challenge with the same energy and positivity he’s brought to his career.