Dermot Murnaghan Breaks Silence on Stage 4 Cancer—Urges Men to Get Tested Now

In an open message urging men over 50 or in high-risk groups to go for urgent prostate screening, veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan has revealed that he is battling stage 4 prostate cancer.

The 67-year-old former Sky News anchor shared the diagnosis on X (formerly Twitter), stating he is 'responding positively' to treatment and praised his medical team for their 'expertise, compassion and sensitivity'. He has called for senior citizens to consider regular prostate checks.

His post read: 'Needless to say my message to all men over 50, in high-risk groups, or displaying symptoms, is get yourself tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS.'

Why Routine Screening Matters

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among UK men, with over 55,000 cases identified in England in 2023.

Experts advise that men over 50 or from high-risk groups, including men with a family history, should discuss PSA blood tests with their GP, especially given the disease's often asymptomatic early stage.

Currently, there's no national PSA screening programme, but NHS guidance allows men to request the test and receive it if their clinical history suggests it. Detecting prostate cancer early significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes.

However, when the disease progresses to stage 4, meaning it has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body, treatment options shift from curative to life-prolonging therapies aimed at managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. This highlights the critical importance of awareness and timely testing.

A Celebrated Career

Alongside the announcement, Murnaghan revealed plans to participate in Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 charity ride in Glasgow on 7 September. The event, backed by the four-time Olympic champion, who is also living with stage 4 prostate cancer, aims to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.

Murnaghan's journalistic career spans decades of trusted broadcasting, from anchoring historic events at Sky News to shaping national conversations across the BBC, Channel 4, and ITV.

Whether covering royal milestones or political turning points, he became a familiar voice in moments that mattered. Now, through his Legends of News podcast and personal health advocacy, he continues to inform and influence, proving that his public service extends well beyond the studio.

The Bigger Picture for Men's Health

Prostate cancer rates overtook breast cancer in England in 2023—a trend intensified by delayed diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Prostate Cancer UK guidance, men over 50—or over 45 for Black men—should consider PSA testing, particularly if they have urinary issues or other symptoms.

While public health efforts have yet to introduce a population-wide screening programme, growing support from figures like Murnaghan and Hoy is increasing pressure on policymakers.

Murnaghan's story—publicly embracing a serious diagnosis while encouraging proactive testing—drives home a vital message: early detection saves lives.

What's more, his decision to share his journey reflects a broader shift in how public figures influence health conversations. It challenges societal views around men discussing their health. With prostate cancer now overtaking breast cancer in prevalence, his story reframes early testing not as a fear-driven response, but as a life-affirming act.