Latest news with #ChrisHoy
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Star Fred: I won't let prostate cancer diagnosis get me down
Scots comedian Fred MacAulay has revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The 68-year-old stand-up comic said he 'took the hint' and began getting regular tests after his father and brother were both diagnosed with the disease. But despite not having any symptoms, doctors recently told him the devastating news that he also has it. His diagnosis comes just months after six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy revealed his prostate cancer was terminal, having also had 'zero symptoms'. The comedian and radio presenter will now join Sir Chris's charity cycle in September to raise awareness, as he vowed not to let the illness stand in his way. He said: 'I'm determined not to let a prostate cancer diagnosis get me down. I've even managed to stay away from the internet because I'd just scare myself to death. 'Instead, I'm putting my trust in my doctors, and comforting myself in the knowledge that I've been diagnosed very early which means I should have the best chance for a good outcome.' And the father-of-three urged other men to 'get checked out' after admitting it was not until his father and older brother were diagnosed he 'actively decided I'd better do something to explore whether I was also at risk'. Mr MacAulay's father, also Fred, died at the age of 73 in 2002 after years of battling prostate cancer and mesothelioma. The comedian said: 'It was the mesothelioma which got Dad in the end, he worked on the railways and was exposed to asbestos and all kinds of nasty stuff before he became a policeman until he retired. 'But when my brother Duncan, who is 72 now, was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago, I thought it was about time I took the hint and got checked out. 'When it became clear I'm more at risk because of the prevalence of prostate cancer in my family, I've been getting tested every couple of years.' It was only after his last tests a few weeks ago that doctors contacted him to advise him that further action was needed. He told the Sunday Post: 'Although I've not had any symptoms, the final tests came back positive just a few days ago and I am waiting to see what the medical team advise is my next step.' Mr MacAulay has been forced to cancel his Edinburgh Fringe shows and tour, but he still plans to join Sir Chris at the Tour De 4 in Glasgow, for the 56-mile bike ride on September 7 to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer UK at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. He said: 'I hope by speaking up this will encourage other men to get checked out too. It could save their lives. 'It's always been a scary thing to talk about, but with all the progress in medicine the best thing to do is be aware, get tested and catch it quickly as it gives you the best possible chance of beating it.' He hailed Sir Chris, who has dedicated his time to raising awareness of the disease, as 'such an inspirational figure in the fight against prostate cancer' and described him as 'a true hero.' The cycling great announced last year that he was given between two and four years to live after being told his cancer had spread to his bones. He sparked a massive campaign to encourage men to get checked for the condition, partnering with the charity Prostate Cancer UK to provide an online risk-checker. Since then, more than 180,000 men have used it and following tests more than 1,000 have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are receiving treatment.
Rhyl Journal
15-07-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Dermot Murnaghan ‘fell through the gaps' with stage four cancer diagnosis
The broadcaster, 67, announced his diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer in June, saying he was 'responding positively' to treatment. Speaking at an event for Prostate Cancer UK, the broadcaster shared his diagnosis journey and urged men to get tested. He said: 'For years I thought 'that will do me' I'm getting tested basically once a year or every couple of years. 'It never occurred to me that they weren't testing for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and I never went to my GP because I was getting other tests privately through the production company. 'So that's how I fell through the gaps and that's how I had a massive wake-up call and want to share the message.' Stage four prostate cancer can mean that the cancer has spread into different parts of the body including nearby body organs, such as the back passage or bladder, and other parts of the body outside the pelvis, such as the bones, lungs or liver, according to the Cancer Research UK website. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, however, there currently are no screening programmes for men to get tested. One option is a PSA blood test which checks the level of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. A high reading may be a sign of a prostate condition. NHS guidance says these tests are not routinely used as they are not reliable, but men over 50 can ask GPs for one. Murnaghan added: 'You can get to the stage I have with no symptoms. 'Get the test, insist on the test. You can insist on the test if you are in a high-risk group and under 50. If you are not, I'd still get the test at 50. 'Go to your GP and they say you don't need it but say 'but I want it'. It is your right to have it. Just keep doing that every year or couple of years. Once you've got that marker where your PSA is, keep monitoring it. 'The earlier you find prostate cancer the easier it is to treat, so check your risk in just 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK's online risk checker to see if you are at risk and what you can choose to do about it.' The presenter also shared an update on his treatment, adding that 'there is a lot of hope' with new trials and options available. He said: 'In terms of the treatments for the stage I'm at, they are a myriad. What's astonishing is just how fast things are developing, even at last stage advanced prostate cancer, the treatment I'm on, the programme that I've been getting only really was approved within the last couple of years. 'There is a lot of hope out there, there's a lot going on, there's a lot of advice and a lot of things happening there. So as a sufferer and a non-medical person my advice is, ask questions. There are always different ways of doing things, slightly, but just keep asking those questions about where you are, what there is available or even if perhaps you could access one of those clinical trials yourself.' The broadcaster will join Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride, Tour de 4, to raise awareness and funds for chancer charities across the UK. The Olympian announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024. Murnaghan added: 'I'm really proud to be supporting Prostate Cancer UK and taking part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising event, the Tour de 4. This groundbreaking cycling challenge is raising vital funds for cancer charities and changing the conversation. 'I'll be riding in Glasgow this September alongside some incredible participants, all to raise awareness and help save men's lives. Prostate Cancer UK means a lot to me and I'd love for you to get involved and show your support. Together we can make a real difference.'
North Wales Chronicle
15-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Dermot Murnaghan ‘fell through the gaps' with stage four cancer diagnosis
The broadcaster, 67, announced his diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer in June, saying he was 'responding positively' to treatment. Speaking at an event for Prostate Cancer UK, the broadcaster shared his diagnosis journey and urged men to get tested. He said: 'For years I thought 'that will do me' I'm getting tested basically once a year or every couple of years. 'It never occurred to me that they weren't testing for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and I never went to my GP because I was getting other tests privately through the production company. 'So that's how I fell through the gaps and that's how I had a massive wake-up call and want to share the message.' Stage four prostate cancer can mean that the cancer has spread into different parts of the body including nearby body organs, such as the back passage or bladder, and other parts of the body outside the pelvis, such as the bones, lungs or liver, according to the Cancer Research UK website. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, however, there currently are no screening programmes for men to get tested. One option is a PSA blood test which checks the level of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. A high reading may be a sign of a prostate condition. NHS guidance says these tests are not routinely used as they are not reliable, but men over 50 can ask GPs for one. Murnaghan added: 'You can get to the stage I have with no symptoms. 'Get the test, insist on the test. You can insist on the test if you are in a high-risk group and under 50. If you are not, I'd still get the test at 50. 'Go to your GP and they say you don't need it but say 'but I want it'. It is your right to have it. Just keep doing that every year or couple of years. Once you've got that marker where your PSA is, keep monitoring it. 'The earlier you find prostate cancer the easier it is to treat, so check your risk in just 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK's online risk checker to see if you are at risk and what you can choose to do about it.' The presenter also shared an update on his treatment, adding that 'there is a lot of hope' with new trials and options available. He said: 'In terms of the treatments for the stage I'm at, they are a myriad. What's astonishing is just how fast things are developing, even at last stage advanced prostate cancer, the treatment I'm on, the programme that I've been getting only really was approved within the last couple of years. 'There is a lot of hope out there, there's a lot going on, there's a lot of advice and a lot of things happening there. So as a sufferer and a non-medical person my advice is, ask questions. There are always different ways of doing things, slightly, but just keep asking those questions about where you are, what there is available or even if perhaps you could access one of those clinical trials yourself.' The broadcaster will join Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride, Tour de 4, to raise awareness and funds for chancer charities across the UK. The Olympian announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024. Murnaghan added: 'I'm really proud to be supporting Prostate Cancer UK and taking part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising event, the Tour de 4. This groundbreaking cycling challenge is raising vital funds for cancer charities and changing the conversation. 'I'll be riding in Glasgow this September alongside some incredible participants, all to raise awareness and help save men's lives. Prostate Cancer UK means a lot to me and I'd love for you to get involved and show your support. Together we can make a real difference.'
Leader Live
15-07-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Dermot Murnaghan ‘fell through the gaps' with stage four cancer diagnosis
The broadcaster, 67, announced his diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer in June, saying he was 'responding positively' to treatment. Speaking at an event for Prostate Cancer UK, the broadcaster shared his diagnosis journey and urged men to get tested. He said: 'For years I thought 'that will do me' I'm getting tested basically once a year or every couple of years. 'It never occurred to me that they weren't testing for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and I never went to my GP because I was getting other tests privately through the production company. 'So that's how I fell through the gaps and that's how I had a massive wake-up call and want to share the message.' Stage four prostate cancer can mean that the cancer has spread into different parts of the body including nearby body organs, such as the back passage or bladder, and other parts of the body outside the pelvis, such as the bones, lungs or liver, according to the Cancer Research UK website. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, however, there currently are no screening programmes for men to get tested. One option is a PSA blood test which checks the level of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. A high reading may be a sign of a prostate condition. NHS guidance says these tests are not routinely used as they are not reliable, but men over 50 can ask GPs for one. Murnaghan added: 'You can get to the stage I have with no symptoms. 'Get the test, insist on the test. You can insist on the test if you are in a high-risk group and under 50. If you are not, I'd still get the test at 50. 'Go to your GP and they say you don't need it but say 'but I want it'. It is your right to have it. Just keep doing that every year or couple of years. Once you've got that marker where your PSA is, keep monitoring it. 'The earlier you find prostate cancer the easier it is to treat, so check your risk in just 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK's online risk checker to see if you are at risk and what you can choose to do about it.' The presenter also shared an update on his treatment, adding that 'there is a lot of hope' with new trials and options available. He said: 'In terms of the treatments for the stage I'm at, they are a myriad. What's astonishing is just how fast things are developing, even at last stage advanced prostate cancer, the treatment I'm on, the programme that I've been getting only really was approved within the last couple of years. 'There is a lot of hope out there, there's a lot going on, there's a lot of advice and a lot of things happening there. So as a sufferer and a non-medical person my advice is, ask questions. There are always different ways of doing things, slightly, but just keep asking those questions about where you are, what there is available or even if perhaps you could access one of those clinical trials yourself.' The broadcaster will join Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride, Tour de 4, to raise awareness and funds for chancer charities across the UK. The Olympian announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024. Murnaghan added: 'I'm really proud to be supporting Prostate Cancer UK and taking part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising event, the Tour de 4. This groundbreaking cycling challenge is raising vital funds for cancer charities and changing the conversation. 'I'll be riding in Glasgow this September alongside some incredible participants, all to raise awareness and help save men's lives. Prostate Cancer UK means a lot to me and I'd love for you to get involved and show your support. Together we can make a real difference.'
South Wales Guardian
15-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Dermot Murnaghan ‘fell through the gaps' with stage four cancer diagnosis
The broadcaster, 67, announced his diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer in June, saying he was 'responding positively' to treatment. Speaking at an event for Prostate Cancer UK, the broadcaster shared his diagnosis journey and urged men to get tested. He said: 'For years I thought 'that will do me' I'm getting tested basically once a year or every couple of years. 'It never occurred to me that they weren't testing for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and I never went to my GP because I was getting other tests privately through the production company. 'So that's how I fell through the gaps and that's how I had a massive wake-up call and want to share the message.' Stage four prostate cancer can mean that the cancer has spread into different parts of the body including nearby body organs, such as the back passage or bladder, and other parts of the body outside the pelvis, such as the bones, lungs or liver, according to the Cancer Research UK website. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, however, there currently are no screening programmes for men to get tested. One option is a PSA blood test which checks the level of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. A high reading may be a sign of a prostate condition. NHS guidance says these tests are not routinely used as they are not reliable, but men over 50 can ask GPs for one. Murnaghan added: 'You can get to the stage I have with no symptoms. 'Get the test, insist on the test. You can insist on the test if you are in a high-risk group and under 50. If you are not, I'd still get the test at 50. 'Go to your GP and they say you don't need it but say 'but I want it'. It is your right to have it. Just keep doing that every year or couple of years. Once you've got that marker where your PSA is, keep monitoring it. 'The earlier you find prostate cancer the easier it is to treat, so check your risk in just 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK's online risk checker to see if you are at risk and what you can choose to do about it.' The presenter also shared an update on his treatment, adding that 'there is a lot of hope' with new trials and options available. He said: 'In terms of the treatments for the stage I'm at, they are a myriad. What's astonishing is just how fast things are developing, even at last stage advanced prostate cancer, the treatment I'm on, the programme that I've been getting only really was approved within the last couple of years. 'There is a lot of hope out there, there's a lot going on, there's a lot of advice and a lot of things happening there. So as a sufferer and a non-medical person my advice is, ask questions. There are always different ways of doing things, slightly, but just keep asking those questions about where you are, what there is available or even if perhaps you could access one of those clinical trials yourself.' The broadcaster will join Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride, Tour de 4, to raise awareness and funds for chancer charities across the UK. The Olympian announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024. Murnaghan added: 'I'm really proud to be supporting Prostate Cancer UK and taking part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising event, the Tour de 4. This groundbreaking cycling challenge is raising vital funds for cancer charities and changing the conversation. 'I'll be riding in Glasgow this September alongside some incredible participants, all to raise awareness and help save men's lives. Prostate Cancer UK means a lot to me and I'd love for you to get involved and show your support. Together we can make a real difference.'
