Britain’s King Charles III said Friday that early diagnosis and treatment will allow doctors to reduce his cancer treatment in the new year and urged people to use screening programs that spot disease when it is easiest to treat.
In a recorded message broadcast on British television as part of a campaign to promote screening, the 77-year-old monarch said, “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” and added that it had made a difference in his own case, enabling him “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 his continued recovery.
Since announcing his diagnosis in February 2024, Charles has used his experience to raise awareness about cancer; British charities reported an increase in people seeking information after his announcement. The king has not disclosed the type of cancer or the specifics of his treatment. The palace said that was intentional, explaining that cancer experts advised he address the wider cancer community rather than his own condition so his message would reach more people.
Palace officials said the cancer was discovered after treatment for an enlarged prostate. While prostate cancer was ruled out, tests revealed “a separate issue of concern.” Charles briefly suspended public engagements for about two months to focus on treatment and recovery but continued to conduct state business and fulfill 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, meeting staff and patients and expressing sympathy for those receiving chemotherapy, saying, “It’s always a bit of a shock, isn’t it, when they tell you.”
The king’s decision to disclose his diagnosis marked a break from royal tradition, which has generally kept personal health matters private. In his message he called for compassion paired with action and urged people to pledge to help catch cancer early, saying, “Your life — or the life of someone you love — may depend upon it.”