Broadcaster James Whale Reveals Cancer Has Returned After 20 Years

The talkRadio host was first diagnosed with the disease in 2000.

Broadcaster James Whale has revealed he’s been diagnosed with cancer, 20 years after having a kidney removed due to a tumour.

The radio DJ said he has been told his cancer is in his remaining kidney, as well as his spine, brain and lungs.

Open Image Modal
James Whale
PA

In an interview with The Sun, James told of how he was given the diagnosis two weeks ago, after feeling unwell for about a year. 

The 69-year-old told the paper: “This little bastard has spread. It’s in my remaining kidney. I’ve got a couple of small lesions in my lungs. I’ve got it in my spine. I’ve got it in my brain.”

James is now on immunotherapy and hormone replacement treatment while awaiting a prognosis, with the hope he will be able to return to work and avoid chemotherapy. 

He added that he has “no intention of dying right at this particular moment”, saying: “I am pretty strong. I’m determined not to allow this to really undermine me.

“I’m coming up to being the oldest working man on British radio and I have continually been on air since I was 24.

“Next year I’m 70, so if I live another ten years, I’d be quite happy.”

Open Image Modal
James was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000
PA

In 2000, James had one of his kidneys removed due a cancerous tumour on it.

His experience with the disease led him to form the James Whale Kidney Fund in 2006, which merged with Kidney Cancer UK in 2015.

The broadcaster and talk show host has a regular slot on talkRADIO, having previously worked for LBC, talkSPORT and ITV over his decades in the industry.

In 2016, James also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother alongside the likes of Saira Khan, Christopher Biggins, Samantha Fox and Frankie Grande.