**Dermot Murnaghan Reflects on Missed Cancer Diagnosis and Urges Men to Seek Prostate Tests**
Veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan has spoken candidly about how his own cancer went undetected until an advanced stage, prompting him to encourage other men, especially those at higher risk, to be proactive in pursuing blood tests which could flag up prostate cancer.
Murnaghan, who is widely known for his years with Sky News, revealed his stage four prostate cancer diagnosis in June. At age 67, he says he’s now responding well to treatment, but admits the diagnosis came as an alarming shock. His story was shared during a recent appearance for Prostate Cancer UK, an event devoted to raising awareness for a condition that currently lacks a national screening programme.
The broadcaster explained that part of the problem was his assumption that he was receiving comprehensive checks. He had regular health assessments arranged privately through his employer, which led him to believe he was being properly monitored. However, crucially, these check-ups did not include a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, which can indicate problems with the prostate. “I thought I was covered, but it turns out the PSA wasn’t included,” Murnaghan said, reflecting on how he “fell through the gaps” and how this resulted in a “massive wake-up call.”
For men in the UK, prostate cancer continues to be the most common male cancer, with Prostate Cancer UK reporting that one in eight men are likely to develop it at some point. Despite this, widespread screening isn’t available, in part because PSA tests can sometimes yield misleading results. NHS guidance is that men over 50 have the right to request the test from their GP, but it is not routinely offered. Many, like Murnaghan, may be unaware that their regular health assessments do not automatically include the PSA check.
Murnaghan’s experience has turned him into a vocal campaigner for men’s health, emphasising that prostate cancer can advance silently, often presenting no symptoms until it becomes more difficult to treat. “You can reach the stage that I’m at without noticing anything wrong,” he explained. The broadcaster now believes that men, particularly those over 50 or in higher-risk groups, should insist on regular PSA blood tests, starting as soon as they become eligible. “Go to your GP, and if they say it’s not needed, insist on it. It’s your right,” he urged.
Early detection remains the best hope for treating prostate cancer effectively. Murnaghan also pointed out the valuable resource of Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker, which he hopes more men will use to assess their personal risk and make informed choices. He encourages men to monitor their PSA levels regularly so any change can be detected early, making treatment more manageable.
He also spoke with hopeful optimism about the advancements in cancer care and research. “There’s a lot of hope out there,” Murnaghan said, describing how treatments for advanced prostate cancer are evolving at an impressive pace. The medication regime he is currently undergoing, for instance, has only recently been approved, highlighting how swiftly research is moving. He advises others living with cancer to keep asking questions and to enquire about participation in clinical trials, as new therapies and options are emerging all the time.
The broadcaster also announced his participation in Sir Chris Hoy’s “Tour de 4” charity cycling event this September. The initiative, spearheaded by the Olympian who was himself diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in late 2024, seeks to raise funds for prostate cancer charities and to start conversations across the UK about men’s health and cancer awareness.
“I’m proud to join this effort,” Murnaghan declared, “and I’ll be riding in Glasgow alongside others who are all committed to spreading awareness and raising vital funds.” The presenter expressed heartfelt gratitude for the work done by Prostate Cancer UK and encouraged the public to support, participate, and speak openly about prostate health.
Murnaghan’s story is a reminder not only of the importance of individual vigilance when it comes to health, but also of the gaps that can still exist in existing medical procedures. His call to action resonates widely: challenging men to insist on their right to pivotal tests, and urging everyone to keep the conversation about male cancers alive.