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Dermot Murnaghan had huge career news just weeks before Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Dermot Murnaghan received a big career boost weeks before he announced his devastating cancer diagnosis and dropped hints that he was very unwell last month. The former Sky News anchor shared the news on social media today, announcing his is battling Stage 4 prostate cancer.
The broadcaster took to X, previously known as Twitter, this afternoon to say he is fighting the disease and made a plea to his followers after going public for the first time.
But as he was preparing to tell the world something serious was wrong, he was given something to lift him - Radio News Hub announced he was to front a brand-new weekly radio series: Dermot Murnaghan's Legends of News. Back in May, he spoke about the inspiration behind the series, why he said yes and spoke of his health issues.
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.'
The broadcaster made the cancer announcement today, and urged people to get themselves tested. After taking to his various social media platforms, fans, colleagues and friends made sure Dermot knew he wasn't taking on the disease on his own.
In a statement shared earlier, the TV veteran 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."
Since sharing the news, former colleagues, famous faces and social media followers have 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."
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.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000*
