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Acclaimed filmmaker Steve McQueen, known for his Oscar-winning work on "12 Years a Slave," has disclosed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. Speaking to Deadline, McQueen shared that he underwent surgery to remove the tumor and is now fully recovered. The British knight decided to break his silence to encourage men to prioritize their health and to promote Prostate Cancer Research's new campaign.

In an address to U.K. lawmakers at the House of Commons, McQueen emphasized the importance of early detection. The event marked a significant date for the director — November 14, exactly two years since his tumor removal surgery. McQueen's decision to keep his diagnosis private during the filming of his wartime feature "Blitz" was driven by a desire not to distract his cast and crew. Despite the health scare, he resumed work just two weeks post-surgery, keeping the ordeal known only to close family.

McQueen's proactive approach stemmed from a personal place; his father, Philbert McQueen, succumbed to prostate cancer in 2006. Given the hereditary risks, McQueen maintained regular health screenings, which led to the early detection of his tumor. The surgery briefly delayed the filming of "Blitz," which features a star-studded cast including Saoirse Ronan and Stephen Graham and will be available on Apple TV+ from November 22.

The filmmaker's advocacy aligns closely with the mission of Prostate Cancer Research, stressing that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a higher prevalence in Black men. McQueen's involvement in the charity's Proactive For Your Prostate campaign highlights the significant health disparities; one in four Black men will get prostate cancer, and one in twelve will die from it if not detected early.

McQueen's candor aims to dispel the fear and stigma associated with prostate cancer screenings. He reflects on his father's death, emphasizing that knowledge and early action can be life-saving. In his speech, McQueen advocated for regular screenings and called for broader support for men navigating prostate health concerns.

The Terrace Pavilion event was co-hosted by notable figures including Labour Party's David Lammy, former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and Liberal Democrats' Josh Babarinde, alongside celebrities like Gary Lineker and James Corden. McQueen's powerful message underscores the vital role of early detection in combatting prostate cancer, aiming to inspire actionable change in men's health practices worldwide.