King Charles has spoken of his “lifelong admiration” for cancer charities and expressed “sincere thanks” for the messages of support he has received since he was diagnosed with cancer.
The king added that it was “encouraging” that the announcement of his illness had shone a light on organizations that support cancer patients and their families. Charities say public attention to cancer has allowed them to highlight issues they previously struggled to get attention for.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, the king said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.
“As anyone affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.
“It is equally encouraging to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped to promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organizations supporting cancer patients and their families in the UK and the support the rest of the world.
“My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater because of my own personal experience.”
Charles, 75, is staying at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk while he receives treatment and has since handed over public duties to Prince William but continues with official paperwork.
He was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. Tests revealed a form of cancer unrelated to the prostate. Officials said he wanted to share his diagnosis to help the public understand the diseases.
Charities with royal patrons said they had received an extraordinary amount of attention since the news emerged.
Prostate cancer UK saw a 500% increase in the number of people visiting the website and the number of men using the online risk checker to see if they should get a prostate check – usually a blood test.
The King is a patron of Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support, which said it has also seen record numbers of visitors to its website in four years.
Maggie’s, whose patron is the Queen, said the King’s decision to continue working was very important because most people assume cancer patients give up work. It means that people with cancer often do not inform their employers and 40% even take time off to go to appointments instead of sick leave.
Laura Lee, CEO of Maggie’s, said people who visit Maggie’s centers are concerned about keeping their jobs and that they will be passed over for promotion if they disclose their condition.
“Anyone diagnosed with cancer should be aware that he or she has employment rights, but also that they do not have to tell colleagues until they are ready, if at all.”
Tenovus Cancer Care, a Welsh charity backed by the Princess Royal, said it had tried to persuade more men to join the organisation. Cancer Community in Waleswhich aims to give cancer patients and their families more control over the way in which care is arranged.
Chief executive Judi Rhys said the public response was “stunning”. “Despite the terrible circumstances, it has been really positive to see how much awareness it has raised and how many conversations it has sparked,” she said.
“(Cancer) is still a difficult subject for many people, especially men. Men are more likely to get cancer, but we see more women using our services. This means that there will be many men who will not receive help.
“We hugely admire the decision to share the King’s diagnosis, and we hope the national conversation will help other men open up and reach out. The more we talk about it, the more lives we will save.”