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Surge in people getting tested after Dermot Murnaghan cancer news
Surge in people getting tested after Dermot Murnaghan cancer news
There have been a number of recent high-profile cases of prostate cancer, and a number of well-known people have died after contracting the illness
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Thousands of men have ordered a cancer test after TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan announced he has cancer. Former Sky News presenter Murnaghan has announced he has stage four prostate cancer.
The broadcaster, 67, who spent more than 15 years at the news channel before his departure in 2023, said he is 'responding positively' to treatment in a post to X on Monday. 'Some personal news… I've been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer', he said.
'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.'
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, nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body outside the pelvis, such as the bones, lungs or liver, according to the Cancer Research UK website.
'I'm blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends', Murnaghan said. '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 also said that he is aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride in September which will raise awareness and funds for cancer charities across the UK. The Olympian announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024.
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NHS guidance says men over the age of 50 are at highest risk of developing prostate cancer, but Sir Chris wants to help men get screened earlier. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, and the disease often has no symptoms in its earlier stages.
A number of high-profile cases of prostate cancer have been reported in recent months, including Joe Biden. Eddie Jordan, Len Goodman and OJ Simpson all recently died with prostate cancer.
Demand for the PSA Blood Test - which can detected prostate cancer - has shot up this week, doctors say. Dr Mathew Rogers, Digital Clinician at Medichecks, said: "In October 2024, our prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test hit record sales, with more than twice the usual number of men getting a Medichecks prostate cancer screen. The reason? A certain six-time Olympic gold medallist and national treasure may have had something to do with it. When Sir Chris Hoy revealed his diagnosis of prostate cancer, it pushed men to take their health into their own hands. His announcement raised awareness on a scale that only the power of the media could achieve.
"Despite the vulnerable situation of having a very private and shocking diagnosis thrown into the spotlight, Hoy used the opportunity to start a national conversation, advocating for men's health and resonating with millions.
"With the resilient and positive mindset so many cancer patients possess, Hoy inspired millions of men to take proactive steps towards looking after their health, such as booking PSA tests. The fact he didn't have symptoms highlighted the importance of early detection, and his celebrity status has even prompted the government to consider lowering the screening age for prostate cancer.
"Now, Dermot Murnaghan, the 67-year-old announced on social media his diagnosis, saying he is 'responding positively' to treatment and 'feeling well'."
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Medickceks said it had seen a rapid surge in people ordering the PSA check this week.
Healthy cells in the prostate make a protein known as prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, a major protein present in semen. PSA can be detected using a blood test, and is commonly used to detect prostate cancer, as high levels can sometimes be a sign of cancer.
While a high level of PSA can indicate cancer, there is no generally accepted 'normal' PSA level. The reading differs from person to person, and, as your prostate grows in size with age, the amount of PSA released also tends to increase with age.
