Reflecting on his cancer ordeal, the BBC regular said he feels "very fortunate" to have overcome the disease after spotting the main symptom15:42, 16 Jun 2026Updated 16:03, 16 Jun 2026Alan Davies has opened up about his fears of death as he reflected on his battle with bladder cancer. The actor, best known for starring in the BBC series Jonathan Creek and for being a panellist on QI, received his diagnosis in 2024 after noticing blood in his urine.‌After doctors discovered a small tumour, the 60-year-old admitted he thought about death during the ordeal.‌Speaking to My Weekly magazine, he said: "I'm very fortunate to have beaten bladder cancer. I spotted some blood in my pee and tests detected a small tumour, which I had surgically removed.‌"During that time, I thought a lot about my own mortality. Now, I realise it was a really lucky escape."Reflecting on the procedure, he previously said on The Jonathan Ross Show: "In 2024, I had bladder cancer. Luckily, [there was] a little bit of blood in the toilet bowl and I saw it."It’s not very nice and it’s not as bad as you think. They got it out, so phew."‌According to the NHS, blood in your urine is the main symptom of bladder cancer.Other symptoms can include:‌pain, burning, stinging or itching when you peegetting lots of urinary tract infectionsneeding to pee more oftenneeding to pee very suddenlylosing your appetite and losing weight without trying topain in your back and lower tummyaching, pain or tenderness in your bonesfeeling very tired for no reason and feeling generally unwellIt's important to seek advice from your GP if you are concerned about any symptoms.Alan reflects on his cancer ordeal in his new book, which he was writing when he received his diagnosis.‌"It was a bad week, waiting for the results to see if it’s gone anywhere else,” he told The Guardian.The experience has also provided material for his new stand-up tour. "I feel my current tour is a more complete picture of who I am, what I’ve experienced, talking about childhood abuse for the first time and trying to find a way to weave that into a comedy show," he added.‌Asked if it will be funny, he continued: "Oh, God, I think it’s the funniest show I’ve done."The BBC star also recently appeared on Alan Carr's Life's A Beach podcast, where he opened up about his future and where he wants to retire."Well I used to think, like a lot of people think, oh you want to be looking out at the sea or be by water. And then I stayed in a hotel with the balcony for the sea, I looked out [and thought], 'Oh it's beautiful' and then in bed that night, the sea was driving me mad because it was so loud.Article continues below"But it had a nice view. But I think I really like it in New York, I like Sydney Harbour, those are the places that come to mind."