Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor opens up about stage 4 prostate cancer

Duran Duran’s induction into the venerable Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday was a significant moment for more than one reason. As the band accepted its honorary status, frontman Simon Le Bon read a letter on behalf of former member Andy Taylor that revealed he’s been battling prostate cancer for years. Unfortunately, Taylor could not attend the band’s Saturday’s ceremony.

“Just over four years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. Many families have experienced the slow burn of this disease and of course, we are no different,” Taylor wrote in his letter.

“So I speak from the perspective of a family man but with profound humility to the band, the greatest fans a group could have, and this exceptional accolade.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction was meant to serve as a reunion for the group — currently comprising Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Simon Le Bon — with past members Taylor and Warren Cucurullo. (Cucurello did not appear at the event.)

Taylor acknowledged getting first-class treatment, but that he recently suffered a “setback,” and though his condition is “not immediately life-threatening, there is no cure”.

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The guitarist continued: “Despite the exceptional efforts of my team, I had to be honest in that both physically and mentally, I would be pushing my boundaries.

“However, none of this needs to or should detract from what this band (with or without me) has achieved and sustained for 44 years.”

He added: “We’ve had a privileged life, we were a bit naughty but really nice, a bit shirty but very well dressed, a bit full of ourselves because we had a lot to give, but as I’ve said many times, when you feel that collective, instinctive, kindred spirit of creativity mixed with ambition, armed with an über cool bunch of fans, well what could possibly go wrong?”

Taylor signed off the letter saying he was “massively disappointed” to not be there celebrating with the group, and that he had “bought a new guitar” for the occasion.

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Many men’s prostates get larger as they get older because of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostate enlargement.

Nonetheless, “if you have symptoms that could be caused by prostate cancer, you should visit a GP”, advises the NHS.

This month is “Movember” – a campaign month to raise awareness of men’s health issues – with the NHS and charities urging men to get checked for early signs of cancer.

Minister for Health Helen Whately said: “It is vital men come forward for prostate cancer checks if they have symptoms as the sooner cancer is detected, the better the chance they can make a full recovery.

“I am pleased a record number of men have been checked and that our community diagnostic centres have delivered over two million extra scans, tests and checks – including for cancer.”