'Bill Turnbull helped save people's lives by being honest with his truth'

30 September 2023 , 14:41

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Bill Turnbull died last year (Image: BBC)

It’s been over a year since my good friend and fellow former BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull died from prostate cancer at the age of 66.

I know that by talking about his diagnosis and treatment, Bill has saved lives – because several people have stopped me to tell me. When I was shopping in IKEA, I noticed a man looking at me and he eventually plucked up the courage to say: “Louise, I had to come and speak to you.

“I am only here working today because Bill Turnbull talked about his prostate cancer diagnosis. Because of him, I went to the doctor and found out I had prostate cancer too and I had an operation that saved my life.” It takes my breath away when somebody says this to me and it’s very emotional.

But I really appreciate that people do it because I was so fond of Bill and it’s such a beautiful thing that he did. Thanks to Bill, so much is now changing. NHS data has shown that a record 25,000 patients were referred for suspected urological cancer in England last November, with prostate cancer making up the large majority.

Prostate Cancer UK linked Bill’s death to the rise, highlighting the “power of awareness” and asking other men to “Broadcast it like Bill” by taking its 30-second prostate cancer risk checker. As well as more testing and so many more men coming forward, a new trial is looking at whether MRI scans can be an effective way to screen men for prostate cancer, which could make a huge difference to swathes of people.

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Bill was a great friend and a wonderful mentor to me on Breakfast for many years. Before I left the show two years ago, he was one of the first people I turned to for advice. Day in, day out, we would read some incredibly difficult news stories but, as newsreaders, we never saved lives like doctors.

By being honest with his truth though, Bill has saved people’s lives –and that is incredibly powerful. He was immensely protective of his family and a very private man, so for him to talk about his medical issues on television to millions of people was a very big and brave decision for him. You never do that lightly.

Before he died, Bill did have a sense of that – and he said: “Well, if there is one good thing I have done, it’s this.” It’s an incredible legacy and I just wish he knew how enormous this ripple effect of men who have gone and got tested is. I really wish I could tell him.

Louise Minchin