The former BBC and Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The 67-year-old announced his diagnosis on social media, saying it was one of stage four advanced cancer.

Murnaghan said he was “fortunate to have a simply outstanding medical team” looking after him that was “administering the best possible care with expertise, compassion and sensitivity … I’m responding positively to their excellent treatment, and feeling well.”

He added: “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.

“Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms.”

Stage four prostate cancer means that the disease has spread into different parts of the body including nearby 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.

Murnaghan, who spent more than 15 years at Sky News before his departure in 2023, said he was 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.

Hoy, the six-time Olympic gold medallist, announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024.

Murnaghan presents true crime documentary series Killer Britain and the podcast Legends of News.

He presented ITV’s News at Ten and the BBC Ten O’Clock News – now known as BBC News at Ten – as well as Channel 4 News.

Murnaghan also hosted the BBC’s quiz programme Eggheads.

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.