Denise Nolan and brother Brian Nolan travel in the cortege for the funeral of their sister Linda Nolan

Coleen Nolan has provided a major update on her brother’s cancer battle. Brian Nolan was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2025, just days after the funeral of his sister, Linda Nolan, who died on January 15, 2025.

He learned of the diagnosis approximately three days after Linda’s funeral and doctors confirmed it was stage 2 prostate cancer. Brian underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) shortly after his diagnosis.

Writing in her column for the Mirror, Coleen said Brian has been given the all-clear. She said: “I’m so proud of him because, since being diagnosed, he’s done so much to raise awareness of the condition.”

Since his diagnosis, Brioan has been using his story to encourage men to get the simple PSA blood test that can detect prostate cancer. He has been campaigning for a national screening program, similar to those used to detect breast cancer and cervical cancer.

Coleen said how Brian initially went to his doctor because he was having to go to the toilet a lot more. The symptoms were affecting his quality of life and his sleep.

She said: “He suspected he might have a bladder issue or that maybe he’d be told it was just his age catching up with him. Understandably, cancer is a scary thought for people and there’s a lot of fear around getting tested but, as Brian proves, if prostate cancer is caught early enough, there’s a very high chance of a cure.”

Coleen said Brian celebrated turning 70 in June and following early detection of the disease, he now has “so much to look forward to now”.

The singer said “listen to your body and get checked out”. She added: “And, to Brian, I’m in awe of you and so impressed that you can go on live telly and talk so calmly and eloquently about this important subject.”

The Nolan family has been plagued by cancer. Bernie Nolan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and died in 2013, aged 52. Linda Nolan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and died in 2025. Anne Nolan had breast cancer in 2000 and 2020.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized gland in men that is part of the reproductive system. The prostate sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and it produces fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm (a component of semen).

Prostate cancer symptoms

Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
Erectile dysfunction
(Note: Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms.)

Prostate cancer Causes and Risk Factors:

Age (most cases occur after age 50)
Family history of prostate or breast cancer
African or Caribbean ancestry
Diet high in red meat or high-fat dairy
Smoking and obesity may also raise risk