Sky News' Dermot Murnaghan diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer

Former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan has been diagnosed with cancer. The broadcaster revealed he's been responding to treatment and praised his "outstanding medical team" for their care during the devastating time. At the time of sharing his diagnosis, he also issued a passionate plea to men.

Dermot, 67, joined Sky in 2007 and presented a string of news programmes, including the death of Queen Elizabeth on September 8, and was the first broadcaster to share the tragic news. He later made the decision to leave the network two years ago.

Away from the Sky network, Dermot was a familiar face on BBC News, Channel 4 and Independent Television News. He also fronted Eggheads between 2003 and 2014, when Jeremy Vinelater took over the role.

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In a statement shared on social media, he confirmed his diagnosis, saying: "Some personal news……I've been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer I'm fortunate to have a simply outstanding medical team looking after me, who I can't thank enough - they are administering the best possible care with expertise, compassion and sensitivity.

"I'm responding positively to their excellent treatment and feeling well. I'm blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends. 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."

He went on to add: "Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms. Details @ProstateUK @PCR_News. I'm aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride - http://tourde4.com - in Glasgow in September - please support it and join us if you can. Take care, everyone, Dermot."

Sir Chris Hoy, 49, is also battling prostate cancer, having shared his diagnosis in October last year and sadly revealing he had two to four years left to live.

Prostate Cancer UK states that most men with the cancer don't have any signs or symptoms of the disease. However, noticing changes in the way a man urinates is a likely indication of an enlarged prostate, but they still recommend having it checked out.

They add that symptoms include difficulty when starting to urinate or emptying the bladder, weak flow when urinating, a feeling that the bladder may not be empty, dribbling after urinating, needing to urinate more often at night and the sudden urge to urinate and occasional leaks before reaching the toilet.

Advanced prostate cancer can present symptoms such as back pain, hip pain or pelvis pain, problems getting or keeping an erection, blood in urine or semen and unexplained weight loss.

Since sharing the news, former colleagues, famous faces and social media followershave rushed to send their support. Scriptwriter Kathleen Beedles said: "I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you love and all the best for your healing journey. I've always loved your work. Thank you for raising awareness and thinking of others at this difficult personal time." He replied: "Ah thanks Kathleen, I feel that all the enormous support I'm getting is a big part of that journey."

Sky's Breakfast Editor, Thomas Newton added: "Really sorry to hear that, Dermot. But of course, true to form, jumping straight on the bike love that. Hope the ride goes well." Responding to Thomas, Dermot stated he won't be beaten by the cruel disease, saying: "Ha! I can't take this lying down - I'm following @chrishoy's example (albeit at a hugely slower pace). Thanks, Thomas."

Presenter Sophie Blake said: "I'm really sorry to hear this Dermot. As one Stage 4 patient to another, I've just passed three years of living with my diagnosis, and I've been working through a very memorable living list with family and friends. We've been having a blast! All the best for the bike ride."

BBC News' Faisal Islam responded: "So sorry to hear that Dermot… great that you are trying to help others raise awareness. All the very best." Greg Scott added: "All I can do is cross everything and wish you all the very best, Dermot. You sound like you're facing this with positivity / not taking this lying down. Here’s hoping your team can crack this for you. Take great care."

Former Good Morning Britain anchor Piers Morgan responded to Dermot's news, telling his fellow broadcaster: "Very sorry to hear this, Dermot, I wish you all the best with your treatment."

The news comes just weeks after Dermot was revealed to be fronting a brand new weekly radio series, Dermot Murnaghan's Legends of News. His first show, which aired at the end of last month, included an in-depth interview with John Sergeant.

Speaking about his new project at the time, Dermot said: "My personal motivation for launching Legends has been stepping off the daily news wheel myself after 40 odd years before the mast and now fighting a health battle.

"Instead of attempting a probably little-read memoir, I decided to speak to those Legends – the colleagues and rivals that I've worked with over those decades – and tease out the stories of the mad world of broadcast news when it was in its pomp before it is subsumed by the new modes of communication."

When leaving Sky News in 2023, Dermot signed off with a classic Anchorman quote as he threw his bulletin papers in the air. Closing his broadcast for the final time, he said: "After 15 years, this has been my final programme for Sky News, the best organisation in the UK, which you already know, for its coverage and analysis but also for its dedicated and inventive hard-working staff so many of who have become close friends.

"Thanks to all of you for putting up with me and supporting me so resolutely through elections, resigning prime ministers. My greatest thanks goes to you the viewers who make Sky News, you are Sky News."

He added: "Your engagement, encouragement and feedback have been invaluable. I hope I've managed to serve you well. It has been an absolute privilege, and thanks for making this career so worthwhile." Dermot went on to throw his papers in the air behind him before referencing Will Ferrell's movie Anchorman with: "You stay classy, planet Earth!"

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK.

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