Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan vows 'I can't take this lying down' after stage four cancer diagnosis

Former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghanhas been diagnosed with cancer. As he announced the news, he took to X to speak about how he is handling the devastating diagnosis.

Speaking to Sky News’ Thomas Newton, who sent his well wishes to Dermot, he said: “Ha! I can’t take this lying down - I’m following @chrishoy’s example (albeit at a hugely shower pace) Thanks Thomas”.

Others sent their support to the broadcaster on X and he sent a heartfelt response, saying: “Ah thanks Kathleen, I feel that all the enormous support I’m getting is a big part of that journey”.

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The broadcaster revealed he's been responding to treatment and praised his "outstanding medical team" for their care during the devastating time. At the time of sharing his diagnosis, he also issued a passionate plea to men.

Dermot, 67, joined Sky in 2007 and presented a string of news programmes, including the death of Queen Elizabeth on September 8, and was the first broadcaster to share the tragic news. He later made the decision to leave the network two years ago.

Away from the Sky network, Dermot was a familiar face on BBC News, Channel 4 and Independent Television News. He also fronted Eggheads between 2003 and 2014, when Jeremy Vine later took over the role.

In a statement shared on social media, he 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."

He went on to add: "Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms. Details @ProstateUK @PCR_News. I'm aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride - http://tourde4.com - in Glasgow in September - please support it and join us if you can. Take care, everyone, Dermot."

Sir Chris Hoy, 49, is also battling prostate cancer, having shared his diagnosis in October last year and sadly revealing he had two to four years left to live.

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.

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK .

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