When Dermot Murnaghan sat down with Jon Kay on BBC BreakfastLondon on November 4, 2025, he didn’t just share a personal update—he issued a plea. At 67, the former Sky News anchor and current BBC presenter revealed he was living with stage 4 prostate cancer, and he told men like him: get checked. "I was one of them," he admitted, referring to the men who ignore symptoms because they feel fine. "I put it off. And I’m the one who’s been interviewing people about this for years."
"I’m Stage 4, But It’s Not Game Over"
Murnaghan’s diagnosis, made public in June 2025, came after years of avoiding the PSA test he’d so often discussed on air. He’s now using his platform to shatter the silence. "It’s incurable," he said plainly, "but it’s not untreatable." That distinction matters. While stage 4 prostate cancer can’t be cured, modern treatments—hormone therapy, targeted drugs, radiation—can extend life for years, often with good quality. "There are great professionals out there looking after people, and they’re looking after me," he added. His tone wasn’t bleak; it was urgent. He pointed to Chris Hoy, the Olympic cycling champion who revealed his own stage 4 diagnosis in 2024, as proof that public disclosure saves lives. "Hoy inspired thousands," Murnaghan noted. "And now I want to be part of that wave."Who’s at Risk? It’s Not Just Older Men
Murnaghan was clear: prostate cancer doesn’t discriminate—but it doesn’t affect everyone equally. He identified three high-risk groups: men over 50, Black men (who are twice as likely to develop it), and those with a family history. "Many men don’t even know they’re in the danger zone," he said. "You might think you’re fine because you’re not having symptoms. But that’s exactly when it’s most dangerous." The statistics are stark. In the UK, over 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Around 12,000 die. That’s one man every 45 minutes. And the numbers keep climbing. "Cases are higher than they’ve ever been," Murnaghan stressed. "We’re not talking about a niche issue. This is a national health crisis."
Disappointment at Whitehall: The Screening Rejection
Just weeks after Murnaghan’s emotional interview, on November 28, 2025, the UK National Screening Committee delivered a blow. Despite mounting pressure from campaigners and public figures, the committee voted against recommending universal prostate cancer screening for all men. Their reason? The risk of overdiagnosis—detecting slow-growing cancers that might never harm a man, leading to unnecessary biopsies, surgeries, and anxiety. "I’m bitterly disappointed," said Sir Tony Robinson, 79, the Blackadder actor who was diagnosed in 2023 and has become a tireless advocate with Prostate Cancer UK. "Early detection saves lives. We’ve got the tools. We’ve got the evidence. But we’re still waiting for the political will." Murnaghan echoed the sentiment: "I really thought we were heading to an exciting moment here. It felt about time progress was made for men."The Transform Trial: A New Hope
But the story isn’t over. In November 2025, Prostate Cancer UK launched the Transform trialUnited Kingdom. This landmark study is testing whether combining the traditional PSA blood test with rapid MRI scans can identify aggressive cancers earlier—and avoid overtreating harmless ones. "If we can cut the noise and find the real threats," said Dr. Emma Lomax, lead researcher on the trial, "we could finally make population-wide screening viable. The data from the first 10,000 participants will be ready by mid-2026." Murnaghan and Robinson are already lending their voices to the campaign. "This isn’t about fear," Murnaghan said. "It’s about awareness. About knowing your risk. About taking five minutes to ask your GP for a test."
What Changed After the Diagnosis?
For Murnaghan, the diagnosis didn’t just change his health—it changed his life. "It shifts your focus. Mentally first of all. Your priorities," he told Kay. "Family first. Always." He no longer takes quiet mornings for granted. He spends more time with his grandchildren. He’s stopped chasing deadlines and started chasing moments. "I’m feeling fine," he repeated, almost as if reminding himself. "And that’s why I have to speak up. Because other men feel fine too. And they don’t know what’s coming."Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get tested for prostate cancer?
Men over 50, Black men, and those with a close family member (father or brother) who’s had prostate cancer are considered high-risk. Even if you feel fine, these groups are strongly encouraged to speak with their GP about a PSA test. Around 1 in 8 men in the UK will get prostate cancer in their lifetime—many without symptoms until it’s advanced.
Why doesn’t the UK have a national screening program yet?
The UK National Screening Committee rejected universal screening due to concerns about overdiagnosis—detecting slow-growing cancers that may never cause harm. This can lead to unnecessary treatments with side effects like incontinence or impotence. But critics argue the current system leaves too many men undiagnosed until it’s too late.
Can stage 4 prostate cancer be treated effectively?
Yes. While stage 4 prostate cancer isn’t curable, it’s often treatable for many years. Hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs can control the disease, reduce symptoms, and extend life. Many men live for 5–10 years or more with good quality of life under modern care, especially when diagnosed early enough to begin treatment promptly.
What is the Transform trial, and how could it change things?
The Transform trial, launched by Prostate Cancer UK in November 2025, is testing whether combining PSA blood tests with rapid MRI scans can more accurately identify aggressive cancers while avoiding unnecessary treatment for slow-growing ones. If successful, it could lead to the UK’s first national screening program by 2028, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Why are Black men at higher risk?
Black men in the UK are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer and more likely to die from it. The reasons aren’t fully understood but likely involve genetic, environmental, and healthcare access factors. Studies suggest they often present with more aggressive forms and are less likely to be screened early. Raising awareness in these communities is now a top priority for campaigners.
What can I do right now to protect myself?
If you’re over 50, or over 45 and Black, or have a family history, ask your GP for a PSA test. There’s no national screening, but your doctor can order it. Don’t wait for symptoms—prostate cancer often has none until it’s advanced. Talk to your brothers, your father, your friends. Awareness saves lives. And as Murnaghan says: "It’s not about being scared. It’s about being smart."