Commentator Peter Montgomery in cancer scare

Peter Montgomery

International yachting and sports commentator Peter "PJ" Montgomery has had his prostate gland removed in a cancer scare.

Montgomery said today he did not want to "shout it from the rooftops" but his prostate gland was found to be cancerous and removed in a four-hour operation 12 days ago.

He said the diagnosis of cancer came out of the blue and he would recommend all men to have a regular digital examination to check their prostate gland.

He said while his prostate gland was removed, it did not mean he had been given a clean bill of health.

"It is major surgery and I have got to get over that for a start and work my way through it," Montgomery said.

"The surgeon made comments that were reasonably encouraging but he can't make any promises.

"The tests over the next couple of years will let us know."

He said he visited a specialist on another matter and the prostate diagnosis came out of the blue.

His advice to men was to get regular prostate checks -- "no doubt about that".

He said he had told his NewstalkZB colleagues about his cancer.

Fellow broadcasters Paul Holmes and Leighton Smith have also been treated for prostate cancer.

- NZPA