King Charles III has announced a reduction in his cancer treatment schedule for 2026, attributing this decision to his early diagnosis and effective intervention. The monarch, who was diagnosed with a form of cancer in 2024, made the announcement in a pre-recorded video message as part of the “Stand Up To Cancer” campaign, which aired on December 1, 2023.
During his treatment for an enlarged prostate, King Charles III spent three nights at The London Clinic and was supported throughout by his wife, Queen Camilla. In his heartfelt message, the King emphasized the critical importance of early cancer detection and urged the public to participate in regular screening.
In the video, he stated, “Early cancer diagnosis and treatment have made a difference for me, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.” He expressed gratitude for the advancements in cancer care that have enabled him to reduce his treatment schedule, reinforcing the notion that early detection can significantly improve outcomes for patients.
The message was broadcast before a live event from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, hosted by television presenter Davina McCall. King Charles shared a poignant reminder about the emotional impact of cancer diagnoses, saying, “This is a season when our thoughts turn to celebrations with our friends and families. 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.”
He acknowledged the overwhelming nature of a cancer diagnosis, drawing from his own experience, and stressed that early detection is key to transforming treatment journeys. According to the King, “the statistics speak with stark clarity,” noting that for bowel cancer caught at its earliest stage, approximately 90% of patients survive for at least five years.
While Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer King Charles was diagnosed with, he remarked on the profound impact of his journey. He highlighted the need for action, pointing out that at least 9 million people in the UK are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them. “That is at least 9 million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed,” he stated.
Concluding his message, King Charles III introduced the UK’s new national cancer screening checker, which helps individuals determine available screening programs. He urged everyone to reflect on their health as the year comes to an end, stating, “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.”
The King’s advocacy for early cancer detection has gained momentum since his diagnosis. Earlier in 2023, he and Queen Camilla hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to raise awareness about cancer, where he expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals and researchers committed to improving early diagnosis and treatment.
By sharing his personal journey, King Charles III aims to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek timely screenings, reinforcing that early detection could be a life-saving choice.
