The former Celtic manager and ESPN pundit underwent surgery to remove his prostate and is now in good health.
Barnes, 62, disclosed his diagnosis after being urged to get checked by his children, a decision that ultimately led to life-saving treatment.
He told Times Radio: “Men have to then bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems and say it.
“So it’s a good thing that that has come out.”
Despite his successful recovery, Barnes acknowledged that the issue remains a difficult subject for many men.
He said: “I’m fine. I have my PSA, and everything is okay.
“The thing about it is that a lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less than a man.
“But you’re not, you’re exactly the same, you’re the same person, and you’re around, and that’s the main thing.”
Barnes’ revelation comes as fellow Liverpool icons Sir Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan have also recently shared their prostate cancer diagnoses.
He hopes his story will encourage others to seek help and break the stigma surrounding men’s health.
