British Pop and Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend Cliff Richard Reveals a Frightening Diagnosis

At 85, the beloved singer, known for hits like "The Young Ones" and "We Don't Talk Anymore," shared his personal health journey and is calling on the government and His Majesty the King to help save the lives of others.

Sir Cliff Richard has revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, a development he described as both unexpected and unsettling.

Sir Cliff Richard circa 1970. | Source: Getty Images

The singer, now 85, shared the news during an interview on "Good Morning Britain," where he also urged the government to introduce a national screening programme for men.

The diagnosis came during routine health checks required for insurance purposes ahead of his tour. "I was going to Australia and to New Zealand and the promoter said, 'Well, we need your insurance, so you need to be checked up for something,'" he recalled.

Sir Cliff Richard at a Variety Club Luncheon in July 1975. | Source: Getty Images

"They found that I had...prostate cancer," Richard added. Thankfully, his cancer was caught early. "The good fortune was that it was not very old; and the other thing is that it has not metastasised. Nothing had moved into bones or anything like that," he explained.

Sir Cliff Richard in a recording studio in October 1983. | Source: Getty Images

Although the cancer is "gone at the moment," the musical star acknowledged the uncertainty of what lies ahead. "I don't know whether it's going to come back. We can't tell those sort of things," he revealed.

Sir Cliff Richard circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Calling the current lack of national screening for prostate cancer "absolutely ridiculous," the Brit expressed his frustration at the government's inaction, stating:

"We have governments to look after our country and those who live in that country, so I can't see how you can say, 'Oh, we can do this, we can do that, but we don't do this for these people.' We all deserve to have the same ability to have a test and then start treatments really early."

Sir Cliff Richard circa 2000. | Source: Getty Images

"We all deserve to have the same ability to have a test and then start treatments really early...I've only been for one year now in touch with cancer, but every time I've talked with anybody, this has come up and so I think our government must listen to us," he added.

Sir Cliff Richard during The 77th Royal Variety Performance in 2005. | Source: Getty Images

In November 2025, the UK National Screening Committee proposed a draft recommendation for a targeted screening programme. If approved, men aged 45 to 61 carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations would be invited for screening every two years.

Richard, whose catalogue of hits includes "The Young Ones," "We Don't Talk Anymore," and "Summer Holiday," also voiced his support for collaborative advocacy, particularly alongside King Charles III.

David Gest, Sir Cliff Richard, and Lamont Dozier during an album press conference in London, England, 2011. | Source: Getty Images

The monarch recently confirmed that his cancer treatment would be scaled back in the new year. "I've been involved with many charities over the years and if the king is happy to front it for us, I'm sure loads of people [would join him]. I certainly would join him," Richard said.

Sir Cliff Richard during the Platinum Pageant on June 5, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

This is not the first time Richard has faced adversity in the public eye. In 2016, he spoke about the emotional toll of being falsely accused of historical sexual abuse, a claim which was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service due to insufficient evidence.

"It's been difficult, but I've known all along that I have enormous support and so therefore it's been a very helpful thing for me," he said at the time. Although never arrested or charged, Richard said the ordeal had left lasting damage to his reputation.

Sir Cliff Richard on Day 11 of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships on July 13 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Despite this, he credited his Christian faith and the unwavering support of his fans for helping him through the experience. "I don't know how people cope without a faith. I've leant on my faith for two years. I wouldn't have it any other way," he shared.

Sir Cliff Richard on Day 8 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 8, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Richard, who has remained unmarried, said he never regretted not starting a family of his own. "Being completely honest, it has never bothered me," he once said, adding:

"My three sisters have children [...]. So while I think I would have been a good father, I've given myself to my family and I wouldn't have it any other way. My 'freedom' allows me to continue my career."

Sir Cliff Richard onstage during a concert on December 8, 2025, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Now, with his cancer in remission and his voice still strong, the singer is using his platform to demand change — both in health policy and public awareness. His message is clear and urgent — early detection saves lives, and it is time for governments to act accordingly.