Former broadcaster and journalist Kevin Milne announces prostate cancer diagnosis

Former Fair Go host Kevin Milne announced that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Milne, 71, was at Newstalk ZB this morning with Jack Tame and said he heard the news on Wednesday.

Milne went to a urology specialist to hear the results of his prostate biopsy that day.

A prostate biopsy can identify if there is cancer in the prostate and, if so, how much is present.

Milne’s MIR scan showed that there is most likely cancer in the prostate. On a scale of one to five to gauge how likely it was, Milne had four.

However, when measured on the Gleason score which measures the severity of the condition, Milne was one.

“If you are one, you are very lucky; if you have five, you are in trouble. Jack, I have one.

“A small amount of cancer, but contained and slow-moving, requires no further treatment.”

Although both Milne and his wife Linda were relieved with the result, they said “we didn’t celebrate, it didn’t sound good” as the couple have several close friends who are fighting their own battles with cancer.

Milne said he is grateful for the experience.

“When faced with the slightest prospect of death, if you survive, it is a gift.”

“There’s nothing like waiting for your Gleason score to sharpen your focus on what you might be taking for granted.”

Newstalk ZB and Gold host Andrew Dickens revealed last year that he was also diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He spoke about his trip last October, announcing that he will undergo surgery to have his prostate removed the following month.

“Oh, it was really easy,” he says without missing a beat. He explains that he felt he could do more good by sharing his story than not, mentioning that he argued his way of being properly evaluated. He says he’s “fixed” now, joking that he doesn’t have to wear diapers.

“So it saved my life, so why wouldn’t I, in the public eye, go out and wear that, and say ‘just get tested’?

“You have to be honest and real on the radio and in public life, and if you are not, how can you expect people to be honest and real?”