England legend John Barnes has shared that he has undergone surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The former Liverpool winger spoke openly about his diagnosis, saying: "I've had prostate cancer, I've had my prostate out, not many people know, and it's a bit of a taboo subject because we support women with breast cancer and it's not even an issue."
Barnes encouraged more men to get checked for prostate cancer, with a particular focus on black men.
He told Times Radio: "Whereas with men, the Government say: 'Yeah, prostate cancer, we need more awareness, we need people to come forward, and in black men it's more prevalent.'
"Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it.
"So it's a good thing that that has come out. I'm fine. I have my PSA, and everything is okay.
"The thing about it is that a lot of men don't want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man.
"But you're not, you're exactly the same, you're the same person, and you're around, and that's the main thing."
England legend John Barnes has revealed his battle with prostate cancer
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The Englishman scored 108 goals with Liverpool from 1987 to 1997, winning two league titles, two FA Cups and the League Cup.
He featured for England 79 times, scoring 10 goals.
Barnes' revelation comes as the Government announces a new £20million package to support men at the highest risk of prostate cancer.
The funding will go towards research to find the best screening strategy and more treatment choices.
Barnes encouraged more men to get checked for prostate cancer
| GETTYA significant prostate cancer screening trial will now include all eligible Black men for the first time.
David Lammy announced the news on social media, saying: "Today we're stepping up the fight against prostate cancer.
"Black men face a significantly higher risk of developing and dying from the disease.
"That's why we're taking action by ensuring all eligible Black men are invited to join a vital new trial. Early diagnosis saves lives."
Barnes had 79 caps for England throughout his career
|GETTY
Laura Kerby, Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "After so much disappointment, this announcement is a truly historic moment. Black men are twice as likely to get the disease and twice as likely to die from it.
"That's why we're delighted that the Government has more than doubled its support for TRANSFORM and is backing our Black Health Equity Strategy, allowing us to generate the vital evidence needed to ensure those at highest risk are diagnosed earlier, when treatment is most effective.
"This is only possible because of the commitment and leadership of Black communities across the country, bringing us a step closer to a world where no man dies from prostate cancer."
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