Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has publicly announced his battle with an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer. The 56-year-old, who made his name playing for clubs such as Newcastle United, West Ham, and Portsmouth, shared the news in an emotional video message on Instagram.
Hislop revealed that the diagnosis came after an annual physical examination roughly 18 months prior, where he insisted on a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. The results showed elevated PSA levels, prompting further investigation through an MRI and biopsy, which confirmed the presence of aggressive prostate cancer.
"I have a story to tell," Hislop stated in his message, detailing his journey since the initial diagnosis. A year ago, almost to the day of his announcement, he underwent a radical prostatectomy. Initially, it seemed the surgery had been successful. However, six months later, his PSA levels began to rise again, and a subsequent scan revealed that the cancer had spread to his pelvic bone. Following this discovery, Hislop began medication and recently completed seven and a half weeks of radiation therapy. "The journey continues," he affirmed, demonstrating his resolve to fight the disease.
Throughout his announcement, Hislop emphasized the importance of regular health checks and PSA testing, particularly for men over 50. He specifically addressed the Caribbean community, noting that men of Caribbean descent experience the highest rate of prostate cancer mortality. He urged men to be proactive about their health and to insist on PSA tests, even if they are not routinely offered. Hislop himself had genetic testing done which showed no family traits of cancer, further emphasizing that regular testing can be crucial regardless of family history.
Hislop's career in England spanned over 15 years, during which he played over 450 games and became a favorite among Premier League fans. Since retiring from professional soccer, he has become a respected analyst for ESPN.
The announcement of Hislop's diagnosis has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, former teammates, and colleagues. Many have taken to social media to express their well wishes and admiration for his courage in sharing his story. Hislop's openness is already making an impact, raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging men to take their health seriously. In January 2025, Bournemouth footballer David Brooks shared his experience with stage-two Hodgkin lymphoma, highlighting a common symptom of night sweats.
