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Record book sales and 20% increase in footfall cement EIBF’s place at the heart of the most important conversations of our time

20% increase in footfall, with more than 28,000 people welcomed to the site on each of the Book Festival’s three weekends
Fewer events delivered more ticket sales, with 62% of tickets sold to people in EH postcodes
Changing Your Mind: Book Festival audiences gathered to explore the defining questions of our age, from AI and social media to democracy, culture and the future of society
People in 52 countries tuned in online, extending the Book Festival’s international reach
62 schools from across Scotland were welcomed during the National Year of Reading, with every child receiving a free book
217 library watch parties across more than 80 libraries in 22 local authority areas brought Book Festival conversations to communities across Scotland
International artists, writers and cultural leaders came together through Global Ink and Scotland to the World
Val McDermid and Jo Sharp’s This Door of the Seas and Lyse Doucet’s The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan were among the Book Festival’s bestselling books

Edinburgh International Book Festival has concluded a record-breaking year that reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading spaces for public conversation.

With a smaller programme but a higher proportion of available tickets sold, the Book Festival brought together writers, thinkers, artists and audiences to explore the defining issues of our time under this year’s theme, Changing Your Mind.

In its third year at Edinburgh Futures Institute, footfall increased by 20% compared with last year, while ticket sales rose despite a smaller programme. Meanwhile, 62% of tickets were sold to people in EH postcodes, underlining the Book Festival’s strong local support.

Alongside major discussions on politics, technology and society, audiences flocked to hear acclaimed fiction writers including John Grisham, Maggie O’Farrell and 2026 International Booker Prize winners Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and Lin King.

The programme also brought together leading voices writing in English alongside internationally celebrated authors in translation, reinforcing the Book Festival’s reputation as a global home for literature and storytelling.

Together, these conversations demonstrated the Book Festival’s role as a space where complex issues can be explored openly, while helping connect people of all ages with books, writers and reading.

Jenny Niven, Director and CEO of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Changing Your Mind was more than this year’s theme. It was an invitation to approach the world with curiosity rather than certainty, and to do that in real life, in the company of other people, has felt both joyful and necessary.

“In the National Year of Reading, it is heartening to see footfall increase, more tickets sold across a smaller programme and our Waterstones bookshop achieve its biggest-ever sales. At a time when literacy rates are declining, book festivals have an important role in helping people discover the pleasure, confidence and connection that reading can bring. Our schools programme, free books for every child attending and year-round work with communities are all part of that commitment.

“With 62% of tickets sold to people in EH postcodes, the Book Festival remains deeply rooted in Edinburgh. At the same time, people in 52 countries joined us online. That combination of strong local support and international reach shows a Book Festival that is both determinedly local and open-heartedly international.”

A PLACE TO DISCUSS THE DEFINING ISSUES OF OUR TIME

From artificial intelligence and social media to democracy, culture and creativity, the Book Festival provided a space for audiences to engage with some of the defining questions of our age.

Former technology executive and whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams highlighted the urgency of debates around social media and public discourse, arguing that “it’s really important that we start to build up that offline muscle of disagreement”, and warning that social media algorithms encourage people “to fix our identity in increasingly strident and narrow boxes.”

Professor Daisy Fancourt explored the growing importance of meaning, creativity and culture in an AI-driven world, arguing that “What we’re all inherently going to want more and more in an AI world is meaning.”

Politics and public life also remained central to the programme. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown considered how citizens can help bring about positive change, while former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin reflected on the challenges and choices that shaped their leadership. Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also joined the programme, bringing audiences into conversations about the political and economic questions shaping public life.

The appetite for new perspectives extended beyond Book Festival events. The Book Festival’s Waterstones bookshop recorded its biggest-ever sales.

Among its bestselling titles were Val McDermid and Jo Sharp‘s This Door of the Seas and Lyse Doucet‘s The Finest Hotel in Kabul, reflecting audiences’ appetite for ideas and stories that help them see the world differently.

YEAR-ROUND IMPACT ACROSS SCOTLAND

The Book Festival’s commitment to access and participation extended far beyond Edinburgh through a programme of free digital activity hosted in communities across Scotland.

This year, more than 80 libraries across 22 local authority areas hosted 217 watch parties, enabling audiences to experience major Book Festival events together in their local communities. People from 52 countries also tuned in online, extending access to the programme around the world.

These free screenings ensured geography and cost were not barriers to participation and demonstrated how the Book Festival continues to use technology to connect audiences with writers, thinkers and ideas.

THE BBC

A new collaboration with the BBC brought Book Festival conversations to wider audiences through programmes including Front Row, Loose Ends and Take Four Books, extending the reach of writers, thinkers and cultural commentators appearing across the programme.

SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF READERS

The Book Festival welcomed more than 62 schools from across Scotland and 21 from Edinburgh, with every child receiving a free book to take home.

Taking place during the National Year of Reading, the schools programme is central to the Book Festival’s commitment to encouraging reading and helping children build lasting relationships with books.

GLOBAL REACH THROUGH GLOBAL INK

2026 marked the third year of Global Ink, supported by Expo, bringing international festival directors from four continents to Edinburgh. The programme created opportunities to exchange ideas, develop partnerships and strengthen Edinburgh’s position as a global meeting place for literature, culture and ideas.

SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD

This year’s Book Festival also saw the continued development of Scotland to the World, showcasing ambitious collaborations between writers, musicians and theatre-makers.

Highlights included India Alba, Ali Smith’s collaboration with the New European Ensemble, Delusions by Len Pennie and Paul Leonard-Morgan, and a Japanese Noh Theatre adaptation of The Song of Rona Island, demonstrating how Scottish stories can inspire new artistic forms and reach audiences around the world.

Local charity secures funding from Loganair to cut Meals on Wheels emission

Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, will support six community projects through its 2026 GreenSkies Community Fund, sharing £23,472 between organisations from the Isle of Lewis to Winchester – and Stockbridge charity LifeCare is one of the recipients.

The fund helps charities, community groups and small businesses across its network reduce their carbon footprints and improve long-term sustainability.

Borve Maritime Museum on the Isle of Lewis receives £5,000 to install a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, cutting electricity use at the community-run venue, while the Community Tree Planting programme, based in Inverness, receives £5,000 to create new woodland and restore habitats through volunteer-led work at sites across Scotland.

In Aberdeen, Beannachar receives £3,757 to replace an ageing electric vehicle charging point used to support adults with learning disabilities across the community, and in Edinburgh, LifeCare receives £2,715 for a charging point that will lower emissions from its community outreach and Meals on Wheels services.

Winchester Cathedral receives £5,000 to fit solar panels to its buildings, generating renewable power and reducing operational emissions at the historic site. On the Isle of Man, the Thie My Shee community orchard receives £2,000 to plant fruit trees and build accessible growing spaces for local food production.

Together the six projects span renewable energy, sustainable transport, food growing and biodiversity across Scotland, the Isle of Man and England.

Rebecca Borresen, director of safety and sustainability at Loganair, said: “The GreenSkies Community Fund sits at the heart of Loganair’s commitment to the communities we connect.

“This year’s projects show what that support makes possible, from solar power on a remote island to greener transport for older people in our cities.

“These six organisations are turning local ambition into measurable environmental change. We’ll keep backing the groups across our network who are building a more sustainable future for the places we serve.”

The GreenSkies Community Fund forms part of Loganair’s wider environmental programme, which includes carbon offsetting, investment in sustainable aviation technologies and a target of reaching net zero by 2040.

Since its launch, the fund has supported community projects and businesses across the UK in adopting greener practices.

‘The Same Heart Beat’: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo announces 2027 theme

ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO TO CELEBRATE THE UNIFYING BOND OF MUSIC IN 2027

Drumming to take centre stage in a spectacular showcasing music, dance and performance
2027 tickets go on sale as current season comes to a close with an almost sold-out run

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the world’s greatest immersive events, has announced the theme for its 2027 Show, The Same Heart Beat, as tickets go on sale – today!

Running from 6 – 28 August 2027, next year’s Tattoo will celebrate the unifying and universal bond of music, with drumming taking centre stage. Developed by Creative Director, Alan Lane, the Show promises an unforgettable international production that features some of the finest military acts from around the world, alongside the best of Scottish and British talent. In a unique display of creative collaboration, participants – both cast and audience alike – will unite to experience the sensation of moving to the same beat.

Today also marks the end of this year’s blockbuster season, which attracted more than 220,000 visitors from across the globe, over 26 performances this August. Titled A Call to Gather, the show honoured the Scottish soldiers who answered the call to serve in the First World War. It was narrated by the actor Richard Rankin (Rebus, Outlander), represented by The Call Statue, one of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks – in tribute to these soldiers’ sacrifice.

Bands from New Zealand, Germany, Qatar and the Unites States joined Scotland’s own celebrated military and traditional performers in a collective celebration of culture, community and creativity. It was enjoyed by famous names, including Olympic cyclist Mark Beaumont; Traitors fan-favourite Matty Hyndman; actors Terrence Rea (Outlander) and comedian Craig Hill; and First Minister John Swinney.

Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “The Tattoo stands unique in global performance. It’s an honour to direct this Show and to lead this creative team and cast. The response from our audiences this summer has been overwhelming and positive and a testament to our global cast of performers.

“From the precision drill of Qatar to the Motown of the United States the whole world was on our stage as we celebrated the importance of bringing together to share cultures. I cannot wait to share more about next year, The Same Heart Beat, a new show with the Royal Navy at its core.”

Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, added: “As we look ahead to The Same Heart Beat, we are building on the momentum of a landmark year for the Tattoo.

Next year’s Show will celebrate the power of music and performance to bring people together, combining world-class artistry, innovation and military tradition in a way that is uniquely Tattoo.

Following an extraordinary year that saw us perform in Edinburgh, Australia and New Zealand, we remain committed to delivering one of the world’s greatest immersive events while continuing to support military communities and champion Scottish culture through our charitable work.

With demand continuing to grow, I would encourage those hoping to join us in Edinburgh next August to secure their tickets early.”

The 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in numbers:

220,000+ guests
26 performances
26 salute takers
800 tonnes of steel used in set construction
35 miles of cabling
180 pipers
54 drummers
Over 33,000 drinks sold

Tickets are on sale now for the 2027 Show and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.

Scots researchers to tackle bowel cancer mutation

Focus on patients with BRAF-mutation

A pioneering new Scottish study aims to better understand, and improve treatment, for patients with an aggressive form of bowel cancer associated with some of the poorest survival rates.

Scotland has the highest mortality rates of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, in the UK. It remains the second most common cause of cancer death in Scotland, claiming around 1,700 (17,700 in the UK) lives annually.*

The new research will focus on the BRAF mutation-caused form of colorectal cancer, which is estimated to affect around 10-15 per cent of bowel cancers.** It will examine how two existing treatments, encorafenib and cetuximab, could be used to tackle the disease earlier.

Dr Mark White, of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre at the University of Glasgow, said: “The ability to analyse tumour samples before and after treatment provides invaluable insight into how cancers adapt and resist therapy.

“By understanding these changes, we hope to identify new strategies to improve outcomes for patients.”

While these treatments have already shown promise in treating advanced colorectal cancer, neither their impact earlier in the disease’s development nor how they potentially change the biology of the cancer, have been fully explored.

The research aspect of the study, led by Dr Mark White of the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, will examine the cancer before and after the treatments in patients taking part in the FOxTROT4 clinical trial which will use advanced technologies to assess the cellular adaptions.

FOxTROT4 is part of the FOxTROT clinical trial platform led by the Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Leeds and will be among the first worldwide to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this drug combination in patients with BRAF mutant colon cancer before they undergo surgery to remove tumours.

The research will employ breakthrough technology which maps changes in tumour cells with unprecedented precision.

By using this approach, researchers can examine tumours more effectively, offering a unique opportunity to observe how cancers respond in real time.

This new method will also allow scientists to track gene activity across cells and zoom in on individual cells to see what genes are switched on and where they are in the body.

A major focus of the project is uncovering why resistance to targeted therapies develops – a key focus for cancer research. Previous work using sophisticated laboratory models demonstrated that tumour cells can rapidly adapt to treatment by altering their biological state.

FOxTROT chief investigator, Professor Jenny Seligmann of the University of Leeds, said: “This is a valuable opportunity to maximise what we can learn from a clinical trial. By studying tumour samples before and after treatment, we can begin to understand how these cancers adapt, evolve and develop resistance to therapy.

“The commitment of patients participating in the trial, together with the expertise of research teams, will help generate knowledge that could shape future treatment approaches for this particularly challenging form of bowel cancer.”

Previously, tumours in preclinical model were observed to shift between different cell states, as quickly as within three days, even when key cancer-driving pathways were effectively suppressed.

This study will now validate those findings in human samples from patients enrolled in the FOxTROT4 trial, specifically examining whether similar adaptive changes occur in response to treatment prior to surgery.

Cancer Research UK director of research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said: “From understanding cancer’s triggers to developing world-first vaccines and testing anti-cancer drugs in studies like this one, we’re developing more personalised, precise and powerful prevention techniques to stop cancers before they start.”

Ultimately, the findings could help refine therapeutic strategies and lead to more effective, personalised treatments for patients facing this challenging form of colorectal cancer.

The FOxTROT 4 clinical trial funding has been provided by Yorkshire Cancer Research, Pierre Fabre and Merck Serono.

What’s On at LIFT this week

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT LIFT THIS WEEK?

Another busy week at LIFT

Just a wee reminder, Monday morning the centre is CLOSED for our staff meeting, and we’ll be opening our doors from 12pm. The Sharing Shelf will also be available from 12pm.

The rest of the week is packed with things to get involved in, from little ones to our over-50s, community groups, savings, the Sharing Shelf, Kidz Clubs, Pete’s Playden and more!

Homebaking is available from Tuesday, with prices starting from just £1.50

FOOD DRIVE — 9th September

Please help us help the community!

Whether you’re popping in for a group, grabbing a bargain, picking something up from the Sharing Shelf or just fancy a cuppa and a chat, there’s always a reason to come and see us!

LIFT @ Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Comedy show wins Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award

Australian comedian Frankie McNair has won the 2026 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, for Huge Ass Mindset, a stand-up comedy show about her experiences of complex PTSD resulting from childhood sexual abuse.

Huge Ass Mindset is the first comedy show to win the Mental Health Foundation’s annual Edinburgh award, which has been running since 2017. It is one of six shows to be shortlisted for this year’s award.

The Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award was established in order to highlight and support the most compelling new work about mental health at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The award is currently sponsored by the Cornwell Charitable Trust and offers a cash prize of £3000 plus additional support tailored to each winning artist.

Andrew Eaton-Lewis, arts programme officer at the Mental Health Foundation, said: “Over the past decade the Fringe has increasingly become a place where solo performers draw on extremely personal, sometimes traumatic real life experiences when creating their shows.

“It is a very difficult thing to do well, and safely, and is certainly not for everyone. But Frankie is a performer who has brought an exceptional level of skill and care to the task, having spent many years in therapy preparing herself to tell this story.

“The result is a show that dares to challenge the shame around childhood sexual abuse in a way that is brave, powerful and also funny in a way that few people would imagine is possible when talking about this subject.”

During her show, Frankie McNair takes care to reassure the audience that she has processed her traumatic childhood experiences through years of therapy, encourages them to leave the room if they need to, and provides resources after the show in case anyone is triggered by the material.

Huge Ass Mindset was one of six shows that were shortlisted for this year’s award. The others are:

Bog Witch (Traverse Theatre):

In a fraught summer of heatwaves and flash floods, climate anxiety is everywhere, but remarkably few shows are directly confronting the question of how it’s possible to stay happy and sane when the world seems to be falling apart around you.

One notable exception is Bryony Kimmings’ spectacular and very funny new show, which tells the story of a lonely first year living in a tumbledown cottage in the English countryside, as Bryony attempts to “plug back into nature” while feeling like she’s failing at every turn.

Parasocial Activity (Pleasance):

This new show from Gallus and Silly Mission Productions begins as an extended comic skit about writer-performer Briony Martha’s character, Jenny, meeting her idol, Hollywood actor James McAvoy, in a Glasgow coffee shop, before evolving into something much darker.

It’s an exploration of the recent phenomenon of ‘AI psychosis’, in which people struggling with isolation develop strong emotional attachments to AI chatbots which can become harmful, and, in this case, dangerous.

Giraffe (Pleasance): Abigail Weinstock’s semi-autobiographical show tells the story of Eliana, who grows up believing she is a sociopath, only to discover – with help from a therapist, a court order and an unexpected relationship with a child who seems to be going through something similar – that she should have been diagnosed with something quite different.

Giraffe compellingly illustrates the long-term mental health impact of growing up believing there is something “wrong” with you.

The End Of The World (Gilded Balloon): In Destiny Faith Nelson’s solo show, she plays Desiree, a young, lonely wannabe writer who decides to livestream her own suicide after becoming overwhelmed by the world and her own perceived failures, before realising, too late, that the man she shares a home with but barely knows has been invisibly going through his own mental health crisis.

The End of The World is a deeply affecting story of how social media can isolate vulnerable people from the world around them.

Water Colour (Traverse Theatre): Milly Sweeney’s debut play is the story of two lost souls in Glasgow, a kitchen porter and an art student, who both end up on the brink of suicide for different reasons but ultimately find solace in each other’s survival.

It’s a moving exploration of the complex factors that can push young people to the brink.

The shortlist for the Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award is selected in consultation with The Scotsman newspaper’s team of experienced critics as well as arts and mental health professionals.

Each year’s winner is announced at the Scotsman Fringe First Awards, the biggest theatre awards ceremony at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Since 2023 the award has been sponsored by the Cornwell Charitable Trust and dedicated to the memory of arts journalist Tim Cornwell, who died in 2022.

Tim worked for many years as the Scotsman’s arts correspondent and was part of the judging panel for the Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award, a subject close to his heart as someone living with Bipolar disorder. Tim died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism in June 2022.

Thanks to the Cornwell Charitable Trust, our winner will again be offered a £3000 prize plus a flexible package of support tailored to the needs of the show and its future development, which may include mentoring support and mental health training, support with funding applications and/or a contribution to production costs.

The Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award is part of the Foundation’s year-round arts programme, which also includes the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, one of the world’s biggest mental health themed arts festivals, which celebrates its 20th year in 2026.

The Mental Health Foundation also recently launched Performing Anxiety, a resource for people who want to make audience-facing creative work about mental health. The resource includes interviews with numerous artists who have made Edinburgh Fringe shows about mental health, including Bryony Kimmings, Caroline Horton, Selina Thompson and Amy Conway.

It can be found at www.mhfestival.com/performinganxiety.

Tomorrow: Volunteer Edinburgh Recruitment Fair 2026

On Tuesday 1 September, the Volunteer Edinburgh Recruitment Fair 2026 will bring together more than 60 charities, community groups and voluntary organisations under one roof.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering to come along, meet organisations, explore different opportunities and find out how they can get involved.

Event details

Tuesday 1 September 2026
10am–5.30pm
St Paul’s & St George’s Church, York Place, Edinburgh
Free entry – no booking required

Do you know someone who might be interested in volunteering?

A friend, family member, colleague, neighbour, student—or someone who has recently said they’d like to give something back, meet new people, learn new skills or simply find out what’s available?

The more people who hear about the Recruitment Fair, the more opportunities there are to connect Edinburgh’s fantastic charities and community organisations with people ready to make a difference.

For more information and the latest updates, visit edvolfair.org.uk.

Swinney: “No child should start the school day hungry”

Investing in free breakfast clubs

Local authorities will share £15 million to expand and enhance breakfast club provision from today, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

The funding will help councils deliver free breakfast clubs for primary school pupils across Scotland from August 2027, giving children a healthy start to the school day and helping reduce costs for families.

The announcement follows the opening of new breakfast clubs in East Lothian, at East Linton and in Letham Mains, during the Government’s first 100 days in office, delivering on a commitment to expand access.

Ahead of a visit to a breakfast club in East Lothian the First Minister said: “No child should start the school day hungry.

“I have seen first-hand the real impact and benefits that the breakfast clubs provide to pupils, parents and teachers. They give children a healthy start to the day, helping to ensure they are ready to engage and learn in class.

“For parents and carers, breakfast clubs allow for an early drop off at school while easing the pressure on family budgets at a time when rising bills and living costs continue to bite.

“The Scottish Government is continuing to do all it can to eradicate child poverty and put more money in people’s pockets. Alongside measures such as free school meals, these free breakfast clubs will help ensure more children are supported to succeed at school, regardless of their background.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: “Local authorities deliver a wide range of services for children and families and are best placed to understand and respond to the needs of their communities.

“This agreement provides an opportunity for local authorities to expand and enhance breakfast provision in a way which meets local need. I look forward to continuing to work together to support our children, young people, and families across Scotland.”

Further measures to eradicate child poverty will be set out by the First Minister in his Programme for Government tomorrow (Tuesday).

Celebrate National Cinema Weekend at Vue venues in Edinburgh with £4 tickets

Celebrate National Cinema Weekend at Vue venues in Edinburgh with £4 tickets – including summer hits Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey

National Cinema Weekend is a two-day celebration of the big screen experience – from the latest blockbusters and family favourites to indie horrors and classic re-releases.

To mark the occasion, Vue is offering £4 tickets across all films and seats on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September.

Highlights include summer hits Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey and Toy Story 5, which will all be showing over the weekend of the promotion. Ridley Scott’s latest film The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic drama starring Jacob Elordi, will also be screening.

Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend, not to mention the David, the animated musical re-telling of David vs. Goliath.

Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further and indie horror Leviticus.

The offer applies to all screenings on Vue’s biggest screen, EPIC by Vue. Featuring HDR by Barco to create breathtaking colour sharpness and next level Dolby Atmos 3D sound, it’s the perfect way to celebrate National Cinema Weekend.

Film lovers can also enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, as part of National Cinema Weekend. Strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen, Ultra Lux seating also features an extra-wide armrest, back and leg rests that recline independently, personal table for snacks and beverages and a state-of-the-art wine cooler – the most luxurious way to immerse in a great story, with tickets at just £4.

Film lovers can also enjoy Lux seating as part of National Cinema Weekend. Offering extra space, soft leather seating, a headrest and armrest, plus a foldaway table for snacks and drinks, Lux recliners are the perfect way to immerse in a great story – with tickets at just £4.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “It’s been an incredible year for film, from the huge blockbusters to indie horrors – and everything in between.

“This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences. We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”

For the films and session times available at Vue, visit www.myvue.com or check out the app. For open captioned screenings, look for the OC accessibility attribute before booking.

Chris Hoy’s stage 4 diagnosis highlights dangerous myth men believe about prostate cancer

Sir Chris Hoy’s stage four prostate cancer diagnosis has highlighted the importance of understanding the often-silent nature of the disease, after the six-time Olympic gold medallist revealed his cancer had spread to his bones.

Hoy has previously spoken about how he had no obvious symptoms of prostate cancer and initially sought medical advice after experiencing shoulder pain. A scan subsequently revealed a tumour, with further investigations finding that the primary cancer was in his prostate and had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, ribs and spine.

In response, Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, says Hoy’s experience is a powerful reminder that men should not wait until they feel unwell before taking their prostate health seriously.

Comment from Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic: “Chris Hoy’s diagnosis is a powerful reminder that prostate cancer does not always announce itself with obvious symptoms, and by the time symptoms develop, the disease can already be advanced.

“One of the most dangerous misconceptions about prostate cancer is that you will know when something is wrong. Chris Hoy’s experience demonstrates why this isn’t necessarily the case. He had no clear warning symptoms and initially sought medical advice because of shoulder pain, only for investigations to reveal that the cancer had originated in the prostate and had already spread to his bones.

“While every patient’s circumstances are unique, his story highlights why men shouldn’t use feeling fit, healthy or symptom-free as reassurance that everything is fine.

“Prostate cancer can develop silently, particularly in its earlier stages, which means men need to be aware of their individual risk rather than simply waiting for their body to tell them something is wrong.

“Symptoms men should speak to a healthcare professional about include:

Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
A weak or interrupted urine flow
Feeling that the bladder doesn’t fully empty
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis

“However, it is important to stress that prostate cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The absence of symptoms should not necessarily be taken as reassurance, particularly for men who have other risk factors.

“Age remains one of the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer, with the likelihood of developing the disease increasing as men get older. Family history is also important. Having a father, brother or son who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer can increase an individual’s risk.

“Ethnicity is another important factor, with Black men statistically more likely to develop prostate cancer and often at a younger age.

“These risk factors do not mean that someone will definitely develop prostate cancer, but they can help healthcare professionals assess an individual’s level of risk and determine whether further investigation or discussions about testing may be appropriate.

“For men who are over 50, have a family history of prostate cancer or belong to a higher-risk group, Chris Hoy’s story is an important reminder not to wait until something feels wrong before speaking to a healthcare professional.

“It is also important to remember that prostate cancer is not one single disease and that a diagnosis does not automatically mean the same outcome for every patient. Treatments and outcomes vary depending on factors including how advanced the cancer is, where it has spread and how it responds to treatment.

“Chris Hoy has also spoken openly about continuing to live his life and finding hope despite his stage four diagnosis. His experience is an important reminder that even when cancer is advanced, patients should have open conversations with their healthcare team about treatment, symptom management, support and their individual options.

“For anyone who has been prompted by Chris Hoy’s story to think about their own health, this is a good opportunity to speak to a healthcare professional rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

“The key message is simple: feeling healthy does not necessarily mean you are free from prostate cancer. Knowing your risk, understanding the potential symptoms and having conversations with a healthcare professional can all play an important role in detecting and managing the disease.”