The late broadcaster has been credited with.
The at his home in Suffolk in August last year after battling prostate cancer for five years.
Now Prostate Cancer UK highlighted ‘the power of awareness’.
The confirmed this week that analysis of NHS data shows a record 25,000 patients were referred for suspected urological cancer in in November 2022 – in which prostate cancer makes up the vast majority.
Turnbull, who appeared on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2016, died on August 31 2022 after a ‘challenging and committed fight against prostate cancer’.
Prostate Cancer UK chief executive Laura Kerby said they were now calling on men to take part in a new campaign.
‘This year, in honour of Bill’s incredible legacy, we’re asking people to “Broadcast it like Bill” and raise awareness of the disease – encouraging as many men as possible to take our 30-second risk checker to learn if they’re at risk, and if so, what they can do about it,’ she explained.
There were 20,732 referrals for suspected urological cancer in June this year, which marks a 21 per cent increase on the same month in 2019.
In June 2023, there were 6,144 treatments for urological cancer which marks a 24 per cent increase from before the pandemic.
Comedian and former QI host Stephen Fry also revealed his diagnosis around the same time as Turnbull said he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in 2018.
This sparked what has been described as the ‘Turnbull/Fry effect’ – a marked increase in referrals.
Fry has narrated a video for the campaign which urges people to share the charity’s 30-second online risk checker.
NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, said: ‘It can feel overwhelming confronting worrying signs and symptoms, but talking about cancer can save lives – it is so important that anyone who has concerns follows the lead of people like Bill Turnbull, Stephen Fry and Rod Stewart and get checked without delay if they are worried.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their , or for more information.
‘Knowing what is normal for you and getting checked if you have worrying symptoms is the best way you can help yourself.’
In January, BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent teared up as she remembered the ‘brilliant’ Turnbull on what would have been his 67th birthday.
Remembering their former colleague, Sally and co-host Nina Warhurst became emotional watching a clip of the ‘great man’.
She said he was ‘brilliant to work with’ and a ‘very, very kind, very wise’ person.
See Check your risk in 30 seconds | for more information.
