Mark Steel: Comedian given 'all clear' after being treated for throat cancer

Mark Steel has revealed he has been given the all clear after being diagnosed with throat cancer. The 63-year-old comedian was diagnosed with the disease in October after discovering a lump in his neck while shaving.

Praising the doctors who ‘saved his life’, he shared the good news on X (formerly Twitter), as he assured fans that he is now cancer free. He wrote: “A nice man from UCL Hospital called this week, to say a scan of me showed the cancer I had has all gone. The treatment worked, the cancer bottled it and ran off, the wimp.

“One thing I’ve learned through all this is I don’t recommend chemotherapy or radiotherapy as recreational drugs. I can’t see them taking off in the clubs.”

He also praised the UCLH Hospital for the treatment he received, saying that it is “an amazing place packed with wonderful souls”. He added: “They’ve saved my life but I reckon this mention on Twitter makes us even.

“Also, I discovered my son and daughter are magnificent and that I know lots of brilliant people who are beautifully kind and funny and rude. And… lots of you sent me messages which was SO appreciated and I’d marry you all if there wasn’t a law against it.

“Now I’ll shut up about it, after the ‘my cancer journey’ book and tour and musical. And from now on I’ll be careful not to catch cancer again.”

Responding to the good news, fellow comedian Janey Godley wrote: “I’m so happy for you”. Comedian Geoff Norcot said: “Lovely news mate x”. David Baddiel also commented: “What a cuck. Great news.”

Steel revealed last October he had noticed his neck ‘looking much bigger than normal’ while shaving in June and assumed it was an infection. However, his neck got bigger, prompting him to see a doctor who booked him a scan at the hospital.

In addition to doing stand-up, Mark is a writer for numerous books, radio shows, and television series. He has also made numerous appearances on Room 101, Mock the Week, The Graham Norton Show, Have I Got News For You, and Question Time. His tour was scheduled to take him to Peterborough in April 2024, with a performance in Norwich on Tuesday. However, all of his scheduled dates have been postponed.