Chris Hughton speaks on being diagnosed with prostate cancer – a year after his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis.
The 67 year old revealed in an interview via Daily Mail that he was told of the news in April last year, underwent surgery last May and is now cancer free after having it removed.
He wants to use his experience and raise awareness to others, having managed to catch it early, especially if anyone is at a higher risk, which he had been as he’s over 50, a family history of the disease, and is black.
Warning signs were raised at the time on a routine annual health check made available by League Managers Association (LMA) to members during his time as manager of Brighton.
⚪️ Chris Hughton reveals his cancer diagnosis
➕ early detection, high risk, regular tests, surgery and recovery
➕ changed priorities and two years since Ghana
➕ Spurs struggles and echoes of the Newcastle drop#THFC #NUFC #BHAFC ⬇️ https://t.co/xvXWJKYB2w— Matt Barlow (@Matt_Barlow_DM) April 24, 2026
As per the Prostate Cancer website in 2023 – “1 in 4 Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer – that’s double the risk of the rest of the population. 1 in 12 Black men die from prostate cancer, compared to 1 in 24 white men and 1 in 44 Asian men. That’s why we’re funding research to find out why black men are at higher risk.”
They recommend all Black men over 45 speak to their GP about a PSA blood test, which he did, to check his PSA (prostate specific antigens) levels every six months. But in 2025, levels suddenly increased and a subsequent scan detected cancer.
Speaking about the diagnosis, he said: “Was it a shock? Yes, because it was bad news and anything like that comes as a shock. Was it a surprise? No, because I knew my PSA (prostate specific antigens) levels had been rising. The news didn’t scare me. I know everyone is different, but my first impression was: ‘I’ll be fine’. I didn’t think, “This is going to kill me”. I just thought: “Ok, we’ll have to do what we have to do.’ And I don’t want to shy away from it…
“The numbers were creeping up a little bit. For me, it’s a good story. I was able to monitor it. It wasn’t a huge surprise. We caught it in time and it’s been very successful.”
He continued: “I had very good advice and all the treatment options were given to me, and I decided to have my prostate removed. The recovery has gone really well. I’m one year post operation and I feel good. It’s all gone very well. I’ve got a lot of energy.
“Keeping active and busy is part of how I am anyway, but it’s also about rehabilitation and keeping your mind active as well. I’m very comfortable with my prognosis and my post-operation feelings. I’m in a really good place.
“Mine is a good story and if it can help anybody, particularly in the black community, where we know that the percentages are a lot higher, then I’d be really happy.”
On if he’ll get back into management. He explained: “My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer the year before me. She’s doing well but a combination of more her circumstances but also mine have changed my priorities. They’ve probably taken over my day-to-day thinking. It’s nothing physical, just time demands and recovery.”
PROSTATE CANCER HELPLINES:
NHS
Comprehensive website with everything you need to know about Prostate Cancer including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Prostate Cancer UK
Helpline: Freephone 0800 074 8383
www.prostatecanceruk.orgProstate Cancer UK fights to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life. It supports men and provides vital information. It finds answers by funding research into causes and treatments. And it leads change, raising the profile of the disease and improving care. Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses are available to speak to anyone with concerns about prostate cancer or prostate problems.
Macmillan Cancer Care
Call 0808 808 00 00 to talk to a cancer nurse
Information on prostate cancer, including how it is diagnosed, treatments you might have, possible side effects and how to get further support. If you have any questions about cancer, need support, or if you just want someone to talk to, call free on the above number.
Cancer Research UK
Nurse Helpline: 0808 800 4040
This link tells you about prostate cancer, including symptoms and causes of prostate cancer, tests and treatment, living with prostate cancer and current research.
Orchid
Confidential male cancer helpline: 0808 802 0010
Orchid is the UK’s leading charity for those affected by male cancer. For over 25 years we have been working to save men’s lives from testicular, penile and prostate cancer through a range of support services, education and awareness campaigns and a world-class research programme.
Four months ago, Chris Hughton spoke with Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis on a YouTube episode of The Managers, from his playing career to management.
01:24 – Early beginnings and managerial influences for Chris
07:11 – Playing under Jack Charlton for the Republic of Ireland
16:31 – Return to Tottenham and building confidence as a coach
25:42 – Working with different Tottenham managers – Francis, Gross, Hoddle, Santini, Jol
32:39 – Getting the call from Kevin Keegan, turbulence at Newcastle United and then becoming manager
39:06 – Winning the Championship with 102 points
42:13 – Strong return to Premier League – but getting sacked by Newcastle
48:36 – Spells with Birmingham and Norwich
54:47 – Taking over at Brighton and working with club’s transfer strategy
01:06:08 – Weekend predictions
01:09:52 – What’s the biggest difference between then and now?
01:12:13 – Do you miss management?
Social media users gave their reaction as Chris Hughton speaks on being diagnosed with cancer – a year after his wife’s diagnosis…
@LFCforLife11: Sending so much love to Chris & family xx
@ryanadsett: Amazing news to hear he’s doing okay. He was at the Spurs game away, and looked really well. One thing to always be admired about Chris is how he always keeps himself in good shape. A legend of the game 💙
@SamRobert968: The man is just a wonderful human. We were incredibly lucky
@HughWoozencroft: I wish all football fans could sit and spend time with Chris. Absolute gentlemen who’s love for and knowledge of the game is just incredible to witness. Glad to hear he’s doing well and wish him all the best
@manib81: Awful news. Get well soon, Chris ❤️
@bettssteve: Get well soon.
@TheScore01: Oh fuck, that’s awful. Wish him well for a full recovery. 🙏
@malma421: Speedy recovery Chris
@NobbyTrumpet: Loved at NUFC. Get well soon
@ImJamieMartin: Absolutely awful. Wishing him all the best. Yet again, a reminder of the need for more frequent, accessible testing for men. Prostate cancer awareness never stops.
@NufcJordy: Awful news. Loved Hughton when he was up here, still to this day unfairly sacked in my opinion. Get well soon 👍
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