Brookside legend Dean Sullivan has sent a warning to his fans following his prostate cancer diagnosis.
, who played Jimmy Corkhill in the soap, is urging people not to leave it too late before getting checked out by a doctor.
In 2018 the 68 year old was diagnosed with cancer, and he decided to go for radiotherapy treatment.
Last year he was then discharged, and he is now living his life post-cancer, but he is determined to raise awareness for the disease.
Now in an interview with the Echo, Dean has opened up about his cancer battle.
The actor said that the strength of flow when he went to the toilet reduced, and that is why he went to see a doctor.
He had no other prostate cancer symptoms, for example, pain while weeing or waking up in the night to go to the toilet on a regular basis.
Dean then explained what happened when he went to the doctor and how it could have been very different.
The soap legend said: "The first time I went to the doctor's surgery he said we'll just keep an eye on it and see how you go on."
However, a few weeks later, Dean knew that something wasn't right and went back to see a different doctor who is a specialist in prostate treatment.
He continued: "He gave me a quick examination, and within two weeks, I was at the hospital speaking to the consultant."
With that in mind, Dean believes that the early detection in his case, was key to him having successful treatment.
Just like many cancers, if they are caught early they can be treatable and that is why Dean is urging everyone to get checked.
The director also revealed that his sister has previously been diagnosed with breast cancer, but thankfully she also got the all-clear.
Moving on from his diagnosis to when he was discharged, Dean admitted that he feels a sense of responsibility to share his experience with other people.
On the day that he was discharged, he bumped into a friend in the hospital who had also sadly been diagnosed with cancer, and that added to his sense of responsibility.
He said that people understand what you say about treatment after you have been through it yourself.
Dean is going to give a speech at the annual Pause For Hope Service in Liverpool, and he is to use that time to share a positive message, as that was what helped him get through.
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