Prostate cancer led Carman to retire

George Carman QC decided to retire because he is suffering from prostate cancer, he disclosed yesterday.

George Carman QC decided to retire because he is suffering from prostate cancer, he disclosed yesterday.

The barrister said on the television programme Breakfast with Frost: "I actually had medical treatment sometimes before I went to court. Half past eight in the hospital, 9.45am at the Royal Courts of Justice."

Mr Carman, 70, one of the most feared libel lawyers of modern times, last week announced his decision to end hiscareer, saying he needed to receive treatment for a "little local difficulty".

But yesterday he said: "On reflection, I feel it important to say, to dispel rumour and for other reasons, that in fact I have suffered from prostate cancer for over three years ... First I don't want speculation and rumour to continue, and so people know exactly what my little problem is. But much more importantly, I want to send out a message to people who do suffer from cancer, to tell them that you can work, you can help the doctors enormously by having a positive attitude, and anybody who has the misfortune to get the disease it is not at the end of the road.

"I would also like to mention that having looked at the gGovernment figures for cancer research in this country, we are way behind the major European countries and the United States, and I think it is time that problem was addressed by all the political parties."