BBC Radio 2 DJ Trevor Nelson has revealed that he recently underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, saying the news left him and his loved ones in shock.

The 62-year-old broadcaster had stepped back from his work commitments in June because of illness, prompting speculation about his health. In a video message shared on Thursday, Nelson confirmed the reason for his absence and said he had spent the past month recovering at home following surgery.

Trevor Nelson Reveals Brain Tumour Diagnosis

Nelson said the diagnosis came unexpectedly. 'I was minding my own business, and then it was discovered that I had a brain tumour. My world was turned upside down,' he said.

The diagnosis was also a shock to his 'close family and friends', he added, describing the period immediately afterwards as one in which his 'head was all over the place'.

Nelson said he underwent surgery a few weeks after the tumour was discovered. 'Thankfully, it went incredibly well,' he said, adding that he had spent the following month 'recuperating, resting, recovering' and receiving post-operative treatment at home.


What Is a Brain Tumour?

A brain tumour occurs when cells in the brain grow abnormally and form a mass. Brain tumours can be benign, meaning non-cancerous, or malignant, meaning cancerous.

Not every brain tumour requires immediate surgery. Treatment depends on factors including the type, size, and location of the tumour, as well as whether it is growing and causing symptoms.

Treatment can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted medicines, or a combination of approaches. In some cases, doctors may recommend monitoring rather than immediate treatment.

Nelson has not publicly disclosed the type of brain tumour he was diagnosed with, whether it was cancerous, or the precise reason surgery was required. That means it would be inappropriate to assume the diagnosis was brain cancer based solely on his announcement.

How Common Are Brain Tumours in the UK?

Brain tumours are relatively uncommon compared with many other cancers and neurological conditions, but thousands of people are diagnosed with them in the UK each year. According to the Brain Tumour Charity, around 13,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in the UK every year.

Primary brain tumours begin in the brain or surrounding tissues. Secondary brain tumours, meanwhile, occur when cancer that started elsewhere in the body spreads to the brain.

Symptoms can vary considerably depending on the tumour's location and size. They may include persistent or worsening headaches, seizures, changes in vision, problems with balance or movement, speech difficulties, memory changes, nausea, or changes in personality and behaviour.

However, these symptoms can have many other causes, and having one does not necessarily mean someone has a brain tumour.

Nelson Says He Is Feeling Better

Despite describing the diagnosis as a 'really serious situation', Nelson said his recovery has been encouraging.

He told followers that he was feeling 'almost back to myself' and was now feeling 'great'. 'I feel raring to go, and I feel in good health,' he said. He also indicated that he may eventually discuss the experience in greater detail.

'I'm not going to go into it all now,' Nelson said, adding that he would probably 'deep-dive into it at a later date' so people could hear the full story.

A Career Spanning Three Decades

Nelson has been a prominent figure in British broadcasting for more than 30 years, particularly through his work championing Black British music.

Before his recent health break, he presented weekday programmes on BBC Radio 2 and a Sunday show on BBC Radio 1Xtra. His broadcasting career has also included work with Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1, and MTV.

For now, Nelson has not announced a specific date for his return to broadcasting. His latest update appears intended to reassure listeners and fans while giving him space to continue his recovery.

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