The announcement last week that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer drew sympathy and support for the 75-year-old. But as well as the focus on what it means for his future role as monarch, it has also led to a closer look at what cancer care will look like in Britain in 2024.
For many, like 37 year old Nathaniel Dye, it means a diagnosis that came too late. He has stage 4 colon cancer, which has spread to other parts of his body. Dye has been told that in similar cases only 10% of people survive five years.
The Guardian’s health editor, Andrew Gregory, tells Michael Safi that cancer care in the NHS is plagued by long waiting lists. Although the chances of survival have never been higher, the number of people reporting symptoms has also never been higher. It means up to a third of people face fatal delays in their care, with early detection and treatment crucial.
Photo: Peter Byrne/PA