It’s Thanks to Gabby That I Caught My Prostate Cancer in Time’ – Kenny Logan Opens Up on His Battle and His Mission to Save Lives

Published: 08 August. The English Chronicle Desk

Kenny Logan, the former Scotland rugby international, has revealed that his life was saved by an early prostate cancer diagnosis – one he only sought out thanks to the encouragement of his wife, broadcaster Gabby Logan. The 53-year-old sportsman, who earned 70 caps for his country before retiring two decades ago, is now using his experience to campaign for greater awareness and routine screening for prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men in the UK.

Sitting in his Chiltern Hills home, Logan cuts the figure of health – lean, tanned, and recently returned from a gruelling 555-mile charity cycle across Ireland in honour of his late teammate and friend, Doddie Weir, who died from Motor Neurone Disease in 2022. Yet, just three years ago, Logan received the shock of his life when a private Well Man check revealed a high PSA level, a potential indicator of prostate cancer, despite having no symptoms or family history of the disease.

Logan explained that his decision to get tested came after listening to his wife’s podcast, The Mid Point, where she spoke candidly about women’s health and the menopause. “I thought, ‘What can men do for their health? We need to take responsibility too,’” he recalled.

The diagnosis led to difficult conversations and, eventually, to a life-changing decision. After consultations with his surgeon, Logan opted for a prostatectomy – the complete removal of his prostate – to ensure the cancer would not return. He was candid about the physical and psychological challenges that followed, including post-surgery incontinence and erectile dysfunction, but urged men not to let fear or embarrassment prevent them from seeking help. “The biggest barrier is in your head – relax,” he said, stressing that sexual health issues can often be managed and should never take precedence over life-saving treatment.

Initially, Logan told only his children, Reuben and Lois, and a small circle of close friends. Even his mother was kept in the dark to spare her worry. But the silence did not last. Shocked by how little men seemed to know about prostate cancer, Logan went public in September 2022, appearing on Gabby’s podcast to discuss his journey. Since then, he has been approached by countless men – and their partners – thanking him for encouraging them to get tested. “It happens in the strangest places,” he laughed, “whether I’m at a pub urinal or walking round a National Trust garden.”

His advocacy is deeply personal, shaped by the loss of Weir and by his knowledge of other friends in sport facing their own cancer battles. Logan is now backing The Telegraph’s campaign to make prostate cancer screening a standard health check for all men, likening it to an annual car MOT. “This is too important not to fight for,” he insisted.

Today, Logan’s six-monthly check-ups show his PSA level at a reassuring 0.05, and he describes himself as “totally functional” and ready for the next stage of life. With his children forging their own paths – Lois as a competitive showjumper and Reuben playing professional rugby for Sale Sharks – he is focused on family, work in sports marketing, and continuing his mission to break down the stigma around men’s health.

“This disease is now the biggest cancer killer in men,” Logan said. “If my life now includes talking to men about sex and prostate health, then so be it. It’s worth it if it saves even one life.”