Former BBC Breakfast presenter Dermot Murnaghan made an emotional appearance on the iconic red sofa this morning, delivering a powerful update on his ongoing battle with prostate cancer.
The 67-year-old journalist, who fronted BBC Breakfast between 2002 and 2007, returned to the studio to speak candidly with current hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay about life following his devastating diagnosis earlier this year.
Dermot revealed in March that he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer a condition he bravely described as “incurable but not untreatable.”
Facing Stage Four Prostate Cancer with Strength and Clarity
During today’s live broadcast, Jon Kay warmly welcomed Dermot back, acknowledging viewers’ concerns.
“Well, it’s great to have you back here, sitting on the red sofa. Lots of our viewers will be delighted to see you back and will have been worried about you for the last few months after hearing about the prostate cancer. How are you doing? You look really well.”
Dermot, calm and composed, addressed his current condition head-on: “Yeah, I’m doing good. I’m stage four, very clear about that. At this point, it’s incurable, but it’s not untreatable, and that’s the big point you’ve got to make to people.
There are so many millions of people affected by stage four cancer of various kinds in the United Kingdom at the moment, listening to this. Their families, I’m including as well.
It isn’t game over. It’s bad, but there are great treatments out there, and there are great professionals out there looking after people. And they’re looking after me. So, yeah, you can see I’m feeling good and doing good.”
How Cancer Changes Everything
Opening up about the emotional impact of living with cancer, Dermot reflected on how the diagnosis had altered his outlook and daily routine: “Well, it changes your focus.
Your focus, mentally first of all, your priorities, it’s very clear what your priorities are. Your own health, of course, and the effect for so many people who are in this position, your family.
It affects so many people who may or may not have anything wrong with them. But that’s who it affects. So, your focus changes and you get your priorities right, which are family first.”
This deeply personal revelation resonated with many viewers, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly life can shift when serious illness strikes.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms Every Man Should Watch
Dermot used his appearance to encourage men across the UK to take action and not wait for symptoms to worsen. His message was clear, urgent, and necessary.
Prostate cancer symptoms may include:
- A frequent urge to urinate, especially during the night
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
- Blood in the urine
- Unexplained pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
“My message here today is men, if you’re in a high-risk group, go and get yourself checked.”
Early detection could mean the difference between treatable and untreatable. With prostate cancer being the most common cancer among men in the UK, Dermot’s warning carries weight and could save lives.
With over 52,000 men diagnosed annually in the UK, prostate cancer isn’t rare, and neither are its consequences. Yet far too many men ignore early symptoms or delay seeking medical help.
Dermot’s brave decision to speak out offers both inspiration and vital awareness. His story isn’t just about illness; it’s about resilience, clarity, and the power of catching it early.
As he continues treatment, his message is one of hope and action. Don’t wait. Don’t ignore the signs. Prioritise your health because life, and the people you share it with, depend on it.
