King Charles has announced he will reduce his cancer treatment schedule in the new year. The monarch shared the "good news" in a video message for the "Stand Up To Cancer" campaign, crediting early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to medical advice for his positive progress.
Charles, who has undergone outpatient cancer treatment since early February 2024, used his personal experience to urge millions of people to participate in available cancer screenings. 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.»
The King called the milestone «both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years». He expressed hope it would «give encouragement to the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives».
Screening advocacy
Charles emphasized that «a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming» but stressed the critical importance of early detection. He noted: «Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.» The King added: «Now, I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country. I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.»
The monarch highlighted that at least nine million screening opportunities have been missed. He addressed common barriers, saying: «I am told people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable. If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.» Charles promoted Cancer Research UK's Screening Checker to help «demystify» the process.
Statistics show stark survival differences: nine in ten people survive bowel cancer for at least five years when caught early, compared to only one in ten when diagnosed late.
Timeline and context
Charles's cancer diagnosis was announced on February 6 last year, discovered during a procedure for an enlarged prostate the month before. He postponed public-facing engagements for nearly three months following the announcement. The King experienced a brief hospital stay in March due to temporary treatment side effects, described by a source as a «minor bump».
The specific form of Charles's cancer has not been publicly disclosed based on expert advice. He is believed to visit the London Clinic weekly for treatment. The video message was filmed at Clarence House in late November and broadcast on Channel 4 during a night of comedy and entertainment supporting the Stand Up To Cancer initiative, a joint effort by Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK.
Charles, who serves as patron of Cancer Research UK, urged people to make early cancer detection part of their new year resolutions. He concluded: «As I have observed before, the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion. But compassion must be paired with action. [...] Your life – or the life of someone you love – may depend upon it.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
