Former Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has shared that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April last year. The condition was identified at an early stage, and he underwent surgery the following month, which proved successful.
Former Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has shared that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April last year. The condition was identified at an early stage, and he underwent surgery the following month, which proved successful.
Speaking about the experience, the 67-year-old explained that his immediate reaction was calm and focused rather than fearful. He said he believed from the outset that he would recover and approached the situation with a practical mindset.
Hughton received professional guidance on the available treatment routes and ultimately chose to have his prostate removed. One year after the operation, he reports feeling well, with a strong recovery and plenty of energy.
During his playing days, Hughton was best known for his time at Tottenham Hotspur, where he made 398 appearances and won major honors, including a UEFA Cup and two FA Cups in the early 1980s. He later played for West Ham United and Brentford while also earning 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Following retirement, he transitioned into coaching and management, leading both Newcastle and Brighton to promotion into the Premier League. His managerial career also included spells with Birmingham City, Norwich City, and Nottingham Forest.
More recently, Hughton worked as head coach of Ghana, adding international experience to his extensive career in the game.
Prostate Cancer UK chief executive Laura Kerby described Hughton’s experience as encouraging, while also highlighting the importance of awareness around the disease. She noted that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the United Kingdom.
Kerby emphasized that the illness often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making early detection more challenging. She also pointed out that it remains the only major cancer in the UK without a formal screening program.
By speaking publicly, Hughton has contributed to raising awareness within the football community and beyond, encouraging men to be more informed about the risks and the importance of early diagnosis.
