Overview
- Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson announced on Friday that he is taking a leave of absence from the House of Lords after learning his prostate cancer has returned.
- Watson was first diagnosed with non‑aggressive prostate cancer in March 2023 and was later declared all clear before being told earlier this year the disease had come back.
- He says initial tests suggest the second bout of cancer has gone but he will undergo further checks this summer to confirm the result.
- Watson described recent lifestyle and treatment changes, saying he has stopped drinking, is exercising more, changed his diet and previously used the weight‑loss drug Mounjaro before regaining weight.
- His announcement coincides with government advice against population‑wide prostate screening in favour of targeted testing for high‑risk men and may prompt renewed public discussion about screening and follow‑up care for prostate cancer.