By Kwame Bediako
Former Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April of the previous year and has since made a strong recovery.
The 67‑year‑old underwent successful surgery to remove his prostate in May, and he is now cancer‑free, almost a year after the operation. His condition was detected early, which allowed for timely intervention and a treatment plan that has left him feeling physically well and mentally positive about his future.
How Hughton’s diagnosis began
Hughton first noticed warning signs during a routine annual health check organised by the League Managers Association while he was managing Brighton. Because he is over 50, is Black, and has a family history of prostate disease, he falls into a high‑risk category, where research shows one in four Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
He had been having his PSA (prostate‑specific antigen) levels checked every six months and noticed a spike last year, which triggered further scans and the eventual diagnosis.
Recovery and mindset
The former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland defender said the news did not scare him into fear or fatalism. “I’ll be fine,” was his immediate reaction, and he calmly evaluated the treatment options available to him.
He chose to have his prostate removed and has spoken positively about his post‑surgery recovery, describing himself as energetic, active, and “in a really good place” both physically and mentally. He stresses that staying busy, keeping fit, and keeping the mind engaged have been key parts of his rehabilitation.
A campaign for awareness
Now healthy, Hughton is determined to use his story to raise awareness about prostate cancer, especially among men over 50, those with a family history, and Black men, in whom the disease is more common and often more aggressive.
He has long supported the Prostate Cancer UK charity and wants to encourage others to have regular checks, early testing, and honest conversations with doctors instead of waiting for severe symptoms to appear. His experience at Brighton and throughout his coaching career continues to shape his advocacy, making him a powerful voice in efforts to save lives through early detection.
From manager to survivor
Hughton, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Tottenham and earned 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland, also managed clubs such as Newcastle, Brighton, Birmingham, Norwich, and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Championship.
In the Ghana context, he replaced Otto Addo after the 2022 World Cup and led the Black Stars until 2024, when he was sacked after a group‑stage exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Today, his focus has shifted from training pitches to health advocacy, turning a deeply personal battle into a public mission to get more men to the clinic before it is too late.
