Veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan has opened up about his stage four prostate cancer battle, urging men to demand routine screenings as he prepares to join Sir Chris Hoy on a charity bike ride.
The former Sky News anchor, 67, revealed in June that he had been diagnosed with advanced cancer after years of “falling through the gaps” of NHS screening. He admitted chemotherapy was brutal, saying, “I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s hard. But at least you feel you’re actively doing something in the hands of wonderful medical professionals.” Now finished with treatment, he is in what he calls the “waiting and seeing phase.”
Murnaghan stressed that men have a “right” to screening, but it is rarely offered unless requested. He urged: “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. Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms.”
The broadcaster admitted regret at delaying a test despite being aware of the risks. “After the numbness and shock of diagnosis, the negative thoughts come flooding in. Firstly, of course, ‘How long have I got?’ Then, ‘Why didn’t I get that check?’ And perhaps the worst, ‘You bloody fool, what have you done to your family?’”
His turning point came after hearing Sir Chris Hoy speak publicly about his own terminal cancer. Months later, while on holiday in Southeast Asia with his wife, Murnaghan fell seriously ill and rushed straight from Heathrow to A&E. Within hours, he was told the disease had spread aggressively and he required immediate surgery.
In his darkest moment, he received an unexpected call from Hoy. “Numb with shock, pretty much unable to speak, I found myself listening to a calm Scottish voice talking me through my identical diagnosis. Chris was on the phone. It was a mental lifeline.”
Now, the two men will cycle together to raise money for cancer charities — a poignant show of solidarity.
Prostate Cancer UK warns that early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, making testing vital. In Scotland, PSA tests are not offered automatically, but men aged 50 and over can request one from their GP.
