The Bishop of Manchester has publicly shared that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, which was discovered through a routine blood test.
The Rt Rev Bishop Walker, 67, is currently receiving care at The Christie Hospital in Manchester and says his prognosis is positive due to early detection.
“I am feeling well at the moment and have shown no signs of the disease,” he told BBC Radio Manchester. “My prognosis is pretty good as they have caught it early which was the result of having the test done before I had any symptoms.”
Reflecting on his diagnosis, Bishop Walker said the news prompted a deeper awareness of his own mortality and strengthened his spiritual perspective.
“It reaffirmed my Christian faith and made me feel closer to Jesus,” he said. “Death will come to us all.”
A father of two who was ordained in 1983, Bishop Walker added that he hasn't needed time off work, though he is managing some fatigue.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 52,000 cases diagnosed each year.