King Charles III has opened up about his battle with cancer in a heartfelt pre-recorded video message. Though his treatment is ongoing, he refuses to allow cancer to determine the quality of his life and time. The monarch’s inaugural diagnosis has significantly impacted his treatment timeline. As he enters the new year, this has made it possible to lighten his load.
In early February 2024, King Charles III underwent surgery for benign prostate enlargement at The London Clinic. They hosted him there on three nights of his pilgrimage. While in the hospital, Queen Camilla visited daily. Her unwavering support further emphasized the amazing network of advocacy and love that surrounded him through this dark period. The procedure resulted in new diagnostic tests that ultimately discovered His Majesty the King’s thyroid cancer. True to his warrior ethos, he has not shared the exact cancer type.
In his video message, King Charles III focused the need for early cancer diagnosis and treatment. He underscored the fact that 9 in 10 people live at least five years after diagnosis with early-stage bowel cancer. Finding the disease in its earliest stages is key to improving survival. Little did he know, he was calling attention to an unfortunate truth. Barely more than 1 in 10 live that long when diagnosis is delayed until late stage.
“But I have also learned something that troubles me deeply: At least 9 million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them. That is at least 9 million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed,” – King Charles III.
The King used this moment to remind others of the importance of taking control of your health by screening for cancer early. He acknowledged the support he has received during his own journey, expressing gratitude for the “community of care” surrounding cancer patients, including specialists, nurses, researchers, and volunteers dedicated to improving lives.
“Throughout my own cancer journey, 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,” – King Charles III.
Since King Charles III’s own recent diagnosis, he and Queen Camilla have taken an active role in raising awareness for cancer. They’re hoping to motivate other New Yorkers to start taking control of their health. This is even more pressing considering that millions in the UK have missed their cancer screenings.
In his statement, the CIHR king spoke to the psychological toll that cancer diagnosis can take on patients and their loved ones. He urged viewers to reflect on this during the festive season, encouraging compassion and support for those affected by cancer.
“In the midst of this festive period, I just wanted to ask you to join me today in finding a special place in your hearts and your minds and prayers for the hundreds of thousands of people across our United Kingdom who receive a cancer diagnosis each year — and for the millions more who love and care for them,” – King Charles III.
He passionately encouraged people to make early detection of cancer their New Year’s resolution for 2018. He pointed out that all of these proactive measures would lead to death prevention.
“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,” – King Charles III.
The King’s daughter-in-law, Kate, the Princess of Wales has struggled with her health. Having been diagnosed herself with cancer and undergone chemotherapy, this brought home to us all the royal family the widespread impact that cancer awareness can have.
