King Charles III announced that his cancer treatment will be scaled back in the upcoming year, citing early diagnosis, effective intervention, and following his doctor’s advice.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years,” he said on Friday in a recorded message broadcast on British television.
The 2-minute video was also posted on The Royal Family’s X account as a way to encourage people to take advantage of screenings that can detect cancer in its early stages when it is easiest to treat.
The King said it troubles him deeply that more than 9 million people across Britain are not up-to-date despite the screenings that are available to them.
“That is at least 9 million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed. Early diagnosis, quite simply, saves lives,” he said in the footage.”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,” he added.
The King said there is a new screening checker people can use online at standuptocancer.org. He said the tool allows user to to check whether they are eligible for breast, bowel, or cervical cancer screenings.
“It demystifies the process, answers your questions, and guides you towards taking that crucial step,” he said.
The King was diagnosed in February 2024, with Buckingham Palace making an announcement. The news came after he King underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate in January.
“His majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” Buckingham Palace said at the time.
Since then, Charles has used his own story to highlight the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Cancer Research UK recorded a 33% increase in visits to its website in the weeks after the king’s diagnosis, as people sought information about the signs of cancer.
In the video, the King also praised everyone in the medical profession, including those who have helped him along the way.
“Throughout my own cancer journey, I’ve 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 said.