LONDON — King Charles III said Friday that early diagnosis and treatment have enabled doctors to reduce his cancer therapy in the new year, and he urged people to use screening programs that can detect disease early when it is easiest to treat.
Charles, 77, made the remarks in a recorded message broadcast on British television as part of a campaign promoting screening. “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” he said. “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.”
Buckingham Palace said his treatment is moving to a “precautionary phase” and that his condition will be monitored to ensure continued recovery. Since announcing his diagnosis in February 2024, Charles has used his experience to raise cancer awareness; British cancer charities reported a jump in people seeking information after he disclosed he was receiving treatment.
The king has not revealed the type of cancer or the specific treatments he is receiving. The palace said that was intentional so his message would speak to the whole cancer community. “The advice from cancer experts is that, in his determination to support the whole cancer community, it is preferable that His Majesty does not address his own specific condition but rather speaks to those affected by all forms of the disease,” the palace said.
His cancer was discovered after treatment for an enlarged prostate; while prostate cancer was ruled out, tests identified “a separate issue of concern,” palace officials said. Charles paused public appearances for about two months to focus on treatment and recovery but continued with state business and his constitutional duties.
He returned to public view in April with a visit to a cancer-treatment center at University College Hospital in central London, where he met staff and patients. “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you,” he said, empathizing with a patient receiving chemotherapy.
Charles’ decision to disclose his diagnosis marked a break with the royal tradition of keeping health matters private. He concluded his message by urging action alongside compassion: “As I have observed before, the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion. But compassion must be paired with action. 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.”
