TV presenter Adrian Chiles reveals skin cancer diagnosis

TV and radio host Adrian Chiles has revealed he has been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Writing in his most recent column for The Guardian, Chiles said he had been successfully treated for a squamous cell carcinoma on the NHS earlier this year.

The presenter, best known for his work hosting shows across the BBC and ITV, such as The One Show, Match of the Day, and Daybreak, wrote of the cancer: “All removed and won’t spread. So not nothing, but not serious. Needs keeping an eye on.”

Adrian Chiles and Guardian Editor, Katharine Viner attend Wimbledon in 2024. / Credit: PA

Chiles currently writes a regular column for The Guardian, as well as hosting a radio show on BBC Radio Five Live.

Writing about his experience of being treated on the NHS, and the difficulty he faced in navigating the health system, Chiles said he had the skin cancer removed two weeks after first seeing a dermatologist.

The radio host said he was disheartened by the lack of direct contact with humans and specialists that he experienced during his treatment.

“This, more than anything, is what matters to me. I don’t care about the shabbiness of hospitals, confusion over appointment times and places, or even the poor communication skills of some doctors.

“I just want to know there’s a number to call, which will get me someone relevant to talk to,” he wrote.

Adrian Chiles presented ITV Football from 2010-2015. / Credit: PA

There are two main types of non-melanoma skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. A non-melanoma skin cancer can be a mixture of both these types.

Cancer Research UK says squamous cell carcinoma is generally faster-growing than basal cell cancers. Around 23 out of every 100 skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. They begin in cells called keratinocytes, which are found in the epidermis.

Most squamous cell carcinomas develop on areas of skin exposed to the sun. These areas include parts of the head, neck, and the back of your hands and forearms.

They can also develop on scars, areas of skin that have been burnt in the past, or that have been ulcerated for a long time.

Squamous cell carcinomas don’t often spread. If they do, it’s most often to the deeper layers of the skin. They can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body, but this is unusual.