Bestselling author Lord Jeffrey Archer recently returned to his former school library at Wellington School in Somerset. He reflected on a literary career spanning over five decades. The visit coincided with promotional rounds for his upcoming final novel, Adam and Eve. The book is set against the backdrop of Adolf Hitler’s potential invasion of Britain during World War II. Alongside discussions of his writing legacy and more than 300 million copies sold worldwide, the 86-year-old novelist issued an urgent public health appeal.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast alongside host Jon Kay, the former MP opened up about his personal battle with prostate cancer. He delivered a blunt warning to men who avoid medical screenings. Diagnosed in 2013 following a routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, Archer underwent a successful four-hour operation to remove his prostate and the tumor. During the broadcast, he urged viewers to overcome reluctance and schedule routine checks.
“I’ve been very aware of how lucky I am,” Archer told BBC Breakfast. “I say to anybody listening – go to your doctor and check your PSA. There are too many stupid men who say, ‘Oh no, I’m a macho guy, I don’t do that sort of thing, I won’t be checking my PSA’. Check your PSA.”
Reflecting on Health and Olympic Inspiration
During the frank interview, Jon Kay brought up the courageous public journey of Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy. Hoy revealed in 2024 that his prostate cancer had spread to his bones. Archer praised Hoy as a “great man” before detailing his own recovery process. He has previously described this with characteristic candor, including the humbling realities of post-surgical recovery.
Demonstrating that he remains in robust health at age 86, Archer swiftly stood up from his chair and sat back down during the live broadcast. He joked that the movement constituted one of his “big exercises of the day.” When Kay chuckled, the author quipped back, “Don’t laugh, Jon, it’ll come to you!”
Looking Ahead: The Final Novel and Refusing Retirement
The visit to Wellington School-where Archer once attended on a scholarship-allowed the author to reflect on his humble beginnings and his massive commercial success with books like Kane and Abel and The Clifton Chronicles. His upcoming book, Adam and Eve, is slated for release in October to mark the 50th anniversary of his career as a novelist.
Despite framing the new book as a milestone, Archer playfully pushed back when Kay suggested he was entering retirement. “I shall not be retiring, you clearly haven’t been listening to a word that’s said to you, Jon!” he joked, leaving open the possibility of future writing projects.
Key Facts About Lord Jeffrey Archer’s Health Advocacy
- Diagnosis Year: 2013, discovered through a routine PSA blood test.
- Treatment: A four-hour surgery to remove the prostate and tumor entirely.
- Core Message: Urging men to drop “macho” attitudes and get routine PSA blood tests.
- Literary Milestone: Over 300 million books sold across a 50-year career, concluding with the release of Adam and Eve.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lord Jeffrey Archer diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Lord Jeffrey Archer was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 after a routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test revealed slightly elevated levels.
What treatment did Jeffrey Archer undergo?
Following a biopsy that confirmed cancer, Archer underwent a four-hour surgical operation to remove his entire prostate and the tumor.
What is Jeffrey Archer’s main message regarding prostate health?
Archer frequently urges men-particularly those he labels “macho men”-to stop avoiding medical examinations and to regularly request a routine PSA blood test from their doctors.
What is the title of Jeffrey Archer’s final novel?
His upcoming final novel is titled Adam and Eve. It is set against Adolf Hitler’s potential invasion of Britain during World War II and coincides with the 50th anniversary of his writing career.
Where did Lord Jeffrey Archer recently visit?
Archer visited his former school library at Wellington School in Somerset, where he had previously attended on a scholarship.
