Doug Cockle, the actor who portrayed Geralt of Rivera in The Witcher series of video games, has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer in a move to raise awareness of the life-threatening disease.
The news prompted an outpouring of support from industry professionals and fans alike.
“I had no idea,” wrote Cockle in response to a tweet from charity Prostate Cancer UK. “Random check and Boom… I have full blown prostate cancer. Treatment ongoing but looking good so far. Men over 50… get a PSA test… just in case.”
Industry peers and friends were quick to wish the actor a speedy recovery, and express gratitude to him for sharing his diagnosis. ”Sending our best wishes! We know you can beat this, witcher,” commented the official Witcher game twitter account.
“Much love and best wishes from all at BAFTA,” said Luke Hebblethwaite, who heads the British awards ceremony. “You got this, Doug! Sending all the love, and we’re all in your corner <3,” wrote Critical Role’s Matthew Mercer.
I had no idea. Random check and Boom… I have full blown prostate cancer. Treatment ongoing but looking good so far. Men over 50… get a PSA test… just in case. ?❤️ More info at @ProstateUK #MensHealth #health #prostatecancerawareness #prostatehealth https://t.co/HFItTImvU2
— Doug Cockle ?⚔️? (@DCockle) June 6, 2023
Staff at CD Projekt were amongst those sending messages of support. “Sending you my best wishes!” commented narrative director Philip Weber, while global community director Marcin Momot joined others in wishing the veteran actor a speedy recovery.
“Thank you for sharing your story and raising awareness. Sending you all the love and strength through this,” wrote Twitter user @ClaraSinclair. “Wishing you a speedy and pleasant recovery Doug!” replied @TheAresPhoenix. “Thank you for sharing and thank you for being a heroic voice to some of us young Witchers.” Countless members of the Reddit Witcher community also turned out to support Cockle.
“He’s the nicest guy, i bought an autograph from him when he did it from home during covid, he went out and bought a red sharpie because i was the only one who asked for it to be in red,” wrote Reddit user TricksinMyHand in response to a post announcing the diagnosis. “Sending him all the positive energy and vibes! Our Geralt of Rivia.”
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting men worldwide, and is responsible for the loss of tens of thousands of people each year in the US alone. The risk of developing the disease increases with a number of hereditary and environmental factors, including family history, diet, and age, with most cases occurring in men over the age of 45.
While the disease is linked with common symptoms including difficulties urinating, it can often be many years before a person shows symptoms. Thankfully, a range of treatment options are available, and the chances of survival are at their highest when when the disease is caught early. IGN strongly encourages anyone over the age of 45 to read up on the disease, and to have a conversation with their doctor with a view to getting tested.
For more information on prostate cancer symptoms and screening, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. UK readers can find out more by talking to their GP, visiting the National Health Service website, or by visiting Prostate Cancer UK, which also offers information on the risks to trans women and non-binary people.
Image credit: Jeff Spicer / Stringer
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer
