“I don’t want to shy away from this” Chris Hughton speaks out about prostate cancer diagnosis

Hugely respected football manager Chris Hughton has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The former Premier League manager, international manager and Tottenham Hotspur and Republic of Ireland playing legend, was diagnosed a year ago, on April 1st 2025.

He has since had successful surgery to remove his prostate and, almost a year on, has spoken candidly about his prostate cancer journey, which began 9 years ago, to urge others to understand their risk of the disease. 1 in 8 men will be affected with prostate cancer and that risk doubles if you are black.

A blood test during an LMA (League Managers Association) health check indicated a slightly raised PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level and after years of regular monitoring, his levels spiked two years ago. After several tests over the year, he was finally diagnosed a year ago, opting to have his prostate removed last May.

Chris, an active committee member of the LMA, who have stood side by side with Prostate Cancer UK for more than a decade, said: “Over the years I've kept on top of things, but it's not something that's been a big concern of mine. The news certainly didn’t scare me. I know everyone is different, but my first impression was ‘I’ll be fine’. I didn’t instantly think ‘this is probably just going to kill me.’ I just thought, ‘OK, we'll have to do what we have to do’.

“I had very good advice and all the treatment options were given to me, and I decided to have my prostate removed. That operation was on May 7th 2025, so a month and a few days after I was diagnosed.

“The recovery went well and I’m feeling great now, and am delighted that my PSA level is now zero. I’m pragmatic by nature and tend to just want to get on with things, but I don’t want to shy away from this. I really hope that my story might be able to help somebody.”

Chris’ dad had prostate cancer before he passed away in 2023, and he added: “I'm very, very conscious of prostate cancer and how it affects a huge percentage of people. Lots of my friends and family have also had prostate issues or passed away through prostate cancer, so it’s an area that is very much close to my heart. Mine is a good story and if it can help anybody, particularly in the black community, where we know that the percentages are a lot higher, then I'd be really happy.”

Prostate cancer is curable if caught early, but early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so it is vital that men know their risk. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer.

The news about Chris strengthens the lifesaving relationship between Prostate Cancer UK and the LMA with the two organisations working side by side for more than a decade.

LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan said: “Since we teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK almost 12 years ago we’ve been incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in educating our members and the wider community about the dangers of a disease that touches the lives of so many.

“That quest to make a tangible difference continues in many ways, from bike rides and walks, and wearing the iconic ‘Man of Men’ badge on the touchline. And when hugely respected members such as Chris are empowered to tell their story, we stand alongside them, and Prostate Cancer UK.

“Our members' health and wellbeing is hugely important to us and remains a significant area of support that we provide to them and their families. Last year alone, over 220 health checks were delivered as part of our Wellness Programme, and we remain committed to championing the importance of positive health and wellbeing. Through the stories of Chris, Mick Harford and Brian Horton this partnership continues to be a real force for good.

“Chris has been an inspirational voice in helping to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer, and we will continue to support him as an important advocate within the footballing and wider community.”

Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive, Laura Kerby, said: “Chris’ story is ultimately a positive one. But it’s also a timely reminder of the dangers of prostate cancer and we thank him for sharing his story in the football community, and helping men.

“Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, and it’s still the only major cancer without a screening programme. It doesn’t give you signs or symptoms in its earlier stages when it’s more treatable, so awareness is everything.

“It's encouraging to hear his treatment has been successful and we thank him for speaking out. By sharing their stories, high profile football figures affected by prostate cancer like Chris, Mick Harford and Brian Horton and our long-term partners, the League Managers Association, help us spread the message and galvanise the football community.”

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