King Charles has announced his cancer treatment schedule will be reduced in the new year, crediting early diagnosis and effective medical intervention for the progress. The 77-year-old monarch used a video message for Channel 4's "Stand Up To Cancer" campaign to share the personal health update and urge millions to engage with cancer screenings.
Doctors diagnosed Charles with an undisclosed form of cancer in February last year during a procedure for an enlarged prostate. He has received weekly outpatient treatment since early February, believed to be at the London Clinic in London.
In the video message, which the King filmed at Clarence House in late November, he said: "Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to 'doctors' orders', my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year."
He described the development as "both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives."
Urgent screening appeal
The monarch expressed deep concern about cancer screening rates in the UK. He revealed that at least nine million people are not up to date with available cancer screenings, calling these "at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed."
Charles highlighted stark survival statistics: "When bowel cancer is caught at the earliest stage, around nine in ten people survive for at least five years. When diagnosed late, that falls to just one in ten."
He added: "Early diagnosis saves lives."
Personal testimony
The King reflected on his own cancer journey, stating: "[...] I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the 'community of care' that surrounds every cancer patient – the specialists, the nurses, researchers and volunteers who work tirelessly to save and improve lives."
He acknowledged that "a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming" but emphasized that early detection had enabled him to "[...] continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment."
Despite health challenges, Charles maintained a demanding schedule in his role, completing five state visits in the year.
A spokesperson for the King told GB News that the monarch "has taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment [...]."
Call to action
The King addressed common fears about cancer screening, noting that people avoid it because they imagine it may be "frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable." He reassured viewers that "A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance [...]."
In his closing remarks, Charles urged: "[...] This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early. Your life – or the life of someone you love – may depend upon it."
Channel 4 broadcast the video during its "Stand Up To Cancer" program, a joint initiative with Cancer Research UK aimed at raising funds for cancer research and promoting early diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, stating the King's right to medical privacy.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
