Matt Forde, who is known for his political satire and fronts The Matt Forde Focus Group on BBC Radio 4, has shared an update on his life since being diagnosed with cancer.
Comedian Matt Forde has shared a poignant reflection on his cancer journey, marking “two years of being cancer-free” in a heartfelt confession.
The funnyman, known for his show The Matt Forde Focus Group on BBC Radio 4, revealed the devastating reality of facing his own mortality after being diagnosed with chordoma, a rare bone cancer, in 2023. This follows another BBC radio star opening up about their condition earlier this year.
The tumour was discovered at the base of his spine, leading to extensive surgery and the fitting of a permanent colostomy bag.
In an emotional social media post, the BBC star confessed to often pondering how much time he had left, before being inundated with messages of support.
Matt wrote: “Today I’m two years cancer free. It sounds barmy but at times I completely forget that I had it. I can’t figure out if that makes me a very positive person or a moron. Probably a bit of both.My main reflection is that I’m very lucky.
“Lucky to have caught it when I did, to still be alive as a result, to have been treated by the NHS at such a phenomenal hospital that (@thernohcharity), and with such wonderful people around me. Oh and the hospital food was delicious.”
He added: “Having to confront my mortality is one of the most powerful things I’ve ever experienced. To really have to think about my life ending and how I’d spend the time I had left.”
The BBC comic was diagnosed with cancer two years ago(Image: GETTY)
The comedian went on to share that he planned to do anything he could in order to survive, reports the Express.
“I was scared and I cried a lot. But I knew it was preferable to leaving that tumour in there to destroy me,” he reflected.
Following an urgent GP visit, he was referred for an MRI scan. The results showed that, instead of a herniated or inflamed disc as initially suspected, it was a tumour.
Matt, 42, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare form of bone cancer that strikes roughly one in a million people and grows at the base of the spine or skull.
He was released just before Christmas following 10 weeks in hospital, and now lives permanently with a colostomy bag and stoma.
Matt added: “The recovery was exceptionally painful at times. I cannot believe the levels of pain that the human body can endure without blacking out.I still have a lingering level of pain now but I can totally deal with it in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to before.
Comedian Matt Forde has marked two years of being cancer free(Image: VIRGIN RADIO)
“The scale of the agony has totally reframed what I consider to be a bad time.”
Matt revealed that he continues to face challenges following the major operation to extract the tumour.
He said: “I have a stoma, I have to self-catheterise, I’ve got stress incontinence and I’ve got erectile dysfunction. But these are all small prices to pay for being alive. Some smaller than others.”
The comedian revealed his oncologist suspected the tumour may have been growing on his spine for five years as he encouraged others to seek medical attention if they suspect something is amiss.
“You know your own body. If there’s something wrong, please get it checked. Whatever it is. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Hopefully you get told that it’s nothing, but if it’s bad news it’s less bad if you catch it early,” he advised.
The comedian shared an update on his health(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Matt added: “One huge benefit is that lager tastes incredible. I cannot explain this, but since my operation, lager tastes even more refreshing than it did before. That has not diminished in the last two years. Maybe there is a God.”
Having been immersed in the political sphere for many years, Matt, who served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for Labour, has now transitioned into a career as a stand-up comedian.
He hosts his own political comedy series on BBC Radio 4 and has made appearances on popular TV shows such as Have I Got News For You, Mock The Week, Spitting Image, and The Royal Variety Performance.
He has also written and voiced characters including Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump for Spitting Image.