How will cancer affect Charles and the thousands of people diagnosed every day?
In Britain, someone is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes, and Buckingham Palace has revealed that King Charles is one of thousands to start 2024 with a diagnosis.
The discovery came during Charles’ recent treatment for a benign prostate enlargement, when a “separate area of concern” was noted. Although Buckingham Palace has not revealed which form of cancer the king has been diagnosed with, it is not believed to be prostate cancer.
The concerns, which first raised alarm among doctors at the London Clinic, an exclusive private hospital in Marylebone, led to a series of further diagnostic tests which then identified “a form of cancer”, the palace said.
Details of the type of tests Charles has undergone have not been revealed, but such cancer checks could include blood tests, scans and biopsies. Biopsies are medical procedures in which a small sample is taken to be examined with a microscope to see if abnormal cells are present.
Since one in two people are likely to develop cancer during their lifetime, a diagnosis is not surprising. Age is the biggest risk factor for most cancers, and Charles is 75.
The increase in lifetime risk to one in two is because more people now survive into old age, when cancer is more common.
According to data from The Guardian, more than a third (36%) of all cancer cases in Britain each year are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over.
In total, almost 400,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed in Britain every year – which equates to more than 1,000 every day. The most common cancers among men aged 75 and over in Britain are prostate, lung, bowel and bladder cancer, followed by melanoma skin cancer.
Cancer is serious and can be fatal: 167,000 people die from the disease every year in Britain. Figures show it is still the leading cause of death in Britain, causing 25% of all deaths.
However, half of people diagnosed with cancer in England and Wales survive the disease for ten years or more. Survival rates are improving and have doubled in Britain over the past 50 years, thanks to a combination of earlier detection, better treatment and advances in research.
The palace did not reveal what treatment Charles will receive, saying only that he has begun “a schedule of regular treatments.”
This may include: chemotherapy, which uses a drug to kill cancer cells; radiotherapy, which uses radiation to kill cancer cells; or targeted drugs that find and attack cancer cells.
It is understood that the king will receive outpatient treatment, meaning he will not have to stay in hospital during treatment. However, on the advice of his doctors, he will relinquish public duties. Officials said he will still be able to conduct “state business and official paperwork as usual.”
They added that the king “remains completely positive about his treatment” and “looks forward to returning to his full public role as soon as possible.” Maintaining a positive attitude will be crucial for him to cope with the news.
People with cancer are often encouraged to be positive, but that is not always easy. Living with cancer and its treatment can be frightening. However, it is understood the king hopes his diagnosis can raise awareness about the disease.
Buckingham Palace said he chose to share his cancer diagnosis to “avoid speculation and in the hope that it can increase public understanding for everyone around the world affected by cancer.”
Despite the fact that so many will develop the disease like Charles, not everyone is fully aware of the signs and symptoms.
They include changes in bowel habits, bloating, bleeding, lumps, moles, unexplained weight loss, indigestion or heartburn, itchy or yellow skin, stomach or back pain and feeling tired or unwell.
Although it is unlikely to be cancer, it is important that you talk to your GP about anything unusual so they can investigate. The earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.