PDC boss Barry Hearn commits to fight prostate cancer

PDC boss Barry Hearn continues to work tirelessly to raise awareness of the disease after his own experience with prostate cancer. On July 9, 2025, he is supporting a special screening day in Brentwood, organized by CHAPS Men's Health Charity in partnership with soccer club Brentwood Town FC.

Hearn, founder of Matchroom Sports the parent company of the PDC, was himself diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024. Successful surgery allowed him to overcome the disease. That experience gave him the motivation to use his voice for a cause that affects thousands of men every year.

"I want to use my voice to urge men to take their health seriously," said Hearn. "Take this opportunity and book yourself on for a test at Brentwood FC; it is a simple blood test and could save your life!"

The past two editions of the World Darts Championship have already been all about raising awareness. Campaigns such as The BIG 180 and The BIGGER 180 both raised funds and started conversations about prostate cancer. Hearn is now continuing that line by leveraging his involvement with Brentwood Town for a local screening initiative.

Professor Chris Booth, clinical director and founder of CHAPS, also stresses the importance of early detection.

"Prostate Cancer is now the commonest major cancer in UK men and the second commonest cancer killer now, causing 57,000 new cases and 13,000 deaths each year. A national screening programme could halve this death rate.

"Prostate Cancer usually grows slowly and causes no symptoms till it has spread. That is why screening needs to be done before symptoms arise.

According to Booth, the danger of prostate cancer lies in the silence with which it develops. "As one in four men with an abnormal PSA will have Prostate Cancer, this event could potentially save three or four lives through early detection of this silent killer."

The test offered during the screening day is a PSA blood test, which can detect abnormal values at an early stage. Statistically, one in four men with an abnormal PSA value will actually turn out to have prostate cancer.