### Prostate Cancer Testing Spikes Following Dermot Murnaghan’s Diagnosis
A significant increase in prostate cancer test bookings has been documented nationwide following veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan’s public disclosure that he is battling stage four prostate cancer. The 67-year-old journalist, best known for his tenure at Sky News, revealed the news in a personal statement on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, earlier this week. His announcement has not only triggered an outpouring of public support but is also believed to have motivated thousands of men to take proactive steps in monitoring their health.
In his message to followers, Murnaghan expressed gratitude for his medical team’s dedication and professionalism. He confirmed he was “responding positively” to ongoing treatments for his advanced diagnosis, and paid tribute to the unwavering support of his family and loved ones. He urged men aged over 50, along with those in high-risk groups or living with relevant symptoms, to undergo testing and to advocate for regular prostate cancer screening as part of NHS protocols.
Prostate cancer, a condition where cancer develops in the small gland that produces seminal fluid in men, continues to make headlines. While the illness is most prevalent in those over 50, it can often remain undetected, as the early stages typically do not present clear symptoms. According to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, around one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease at some stage in their lives. This lack of early warning signs underscores the importance of timely testing—the point Murnaghan himself stressed in his public address.
Medical professionals across the UK have reported a sharp uptick in requests for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a commonly used blood screening that can help detect early signs of prostate cancer. Dr Mathew Rogers, a digital clinician with testing provider Medichecks, highlighted the dramatic change since the news broke. “We’ve seen test orders more than double over the past week,” Dr Rogers confirmed. He attributed this surge not only to Murnaghan’s candid message but also to other prominent figures, such as Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who announced his own diagnosis in late 2024.
High-profile cases have added momentum to ongoing public health conversations. In recent months, several well-known personalities have been diagnosed with or passed away due to prostate cancer, including the late television presenter Len Goodman, Formula 1 mogul Eddie Jordan, and former American football star OJ Simpson. Even US President Joe Biden’s health reports have contributed to the mounting awareness. These headlines, combined with direct appeals from figures like Murnaghan and Hoy, appear to be encouraging more men to seek early screening.
Murnaghan, undeterred by his diagnosis, has pledged to support fundraising efforts for cancer research and awareness. Notably, he plans to participate in a nationwide charity cycle led by Sir Chris Hoy later this year—an event aimed at raising both funding and the profile of men’s health initiatives.
The NHS continues to advise that men above the age of 50, those of Black African or Caribbean descent, and people with a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk of developing the disease. Yet, it’s worth noting that PSA test levels can be affected by various factors, including age and non-cancerous conditions, producing results that can sometimes be difficult to interpret without further investigation. There is not yet a definitive “normal” PSA level; thus, individual readings must be assessed in the context of age and overall health.
Public health campaigners are now pushing for the government to consider lowering the recommended age for routine prostate screening and improving access to information about symptoms. Prostate cancer charities have repeatedly highlighted how increased awareness and easier access to diagnostic resources can dramatically improve survival rates.
Ultimately, Murnaghan’s openness about his diagnosis has provided a crucial platform for discussing men’s health—one that has already persuaded many to prioritise their wellbeing and take potentially life-saving action. With high-profile advocates stepping forward and demand for PSA tests surging, the conversation around prostate health appears to be gaining new momentum, offering hope that earlier detection and better outcomes will follow.