King Charles: I was overwhelmed by my cancer diagnosis
King Charles has urged people across the UK to get involved in cancer screenings, warning that millions of opportunities for early detection are being missed as he recounts his “overwhelming” personal journey.
In a recorded message supporting Stand Up to Cancer, he announced that his own treatment would be reversed in the new year, in what he called a “personal blessing.”
But the King, who used the broadcast to reflect on his own experiences, said he was “deeply distressed” to learn that at least 9 million people in the UK were not up to date on the cancer screenings available to them.
Charles revealed that he was diagnosed with a form of cancer in February 2024. Although Buckingham Palace did not specify what type of cancer he had, officials said the discovery of the cancer following treatment for an enlarged prostate raises a “separate matter of concern.”
In his speech, recorded at Clarence House two weeks ago, he urged Britons to save themselves the “shame” and take advantage of screening programmes. It also introduced a new national Screening Checker that allows people to check their eligibility online.
Paying tribute to the specialists, nurses, researchers and volunteers who treat and support cancer patients, Charles said he was “deeply moved” by their work.
Throughout the festive season, he asked people to join him in finding “a special place in your hearts” for the hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with cancer each year across the country and those who care for them.
“I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming,” she said. “Yet I also know that early diagnosis is the key that can transform treatment journeys, saving healthcare teams invaluable time and giving their patients the precious gift of hope.”
He spoke passionately about the importance of getting checked out and said early diagnosis allows him to live a “full and active life” even while receiving treatment.
“Early detection quite simply saves lives,” he added.
He then shared his personal good news and said: “Today, I can share with you the good news that my own cancer treatment program can be shortened in the new year, thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and following ‘doctor’s recommendations’.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testament to the remarkable advances in cancer care that have been made in recent years; I hope this testimony can provide encouragement to the 50 percent of us who will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in our lives.”
In his speech, the King said people often avoid screening for fear of “inconvenience” or “embarrassment”. “If they eventually accept their invitation, they will be happy to attend,” he said.
“A few minutes of minor discomfort is a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes when most people are either told they do not need further testing, or some are given the chance to allow early diagnosis with life-saving intervention that can follow.”
He finished his speech by praying that everyone would do their part to help catch cancer early.
“Your life or the life of someone you love may depend on it,” he added.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman confirmed the King would continue to receive cancer treatment but said he was responding “extremely well” and measures would now move to the “precautionary phase”.
The December message comes amid warnings from NHS leaders that the health service is facing a “worst case scenario” this December, with flu rates on the rise.
Health chiefs warned that the “unprecedented surge” was pushing staff to the limits and said the rise in admissions showed “just how dangerous the situation has become in our NHS hospitals”.
NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said: “With record demand for A&E and ambulances and a junior doctors’ strike looming, this unprecedented super flu wave leaves the NHS facing the worst-case scenario for this time of year, with staff being stretched to their limits to continue providing the best possible care to patients.
“The number of flu patients in hospital is extremely high for this time of year. To make matters worse, it continues to rise and its peak is not yet in sight, so the NHS has an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.”
