King Charles opened up about his cancer journey as part of this year’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
The campaign was run by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
The king’s video message aired on December 12 on Channel 4. This marked one of the few times King Charles has spoken about his cancer since revealing his diagnosis in February 2024.
Buckingham Palace later released a statement saying the king would be “deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated”.
King Charles issues cancer update
In his message, the king said: “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Yet I also know that early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, giving invaluable time to medical teams – and, to their patients, the precious gift of hope.
“Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient, the specialists, the nurses, researchers and volunteers who work tirelessly to save and improve lives.
“But I have also learned something that troubles me deeply – at least nine million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them. That is at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed.”
He continued: “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives. Now, I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country.
“I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.
“Indeed, today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.
“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
‘The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion’
The king also promoted the “new national Screening Checker that is available online”.
He continued: “It demystifies the process, answers your questions and guides you towards taking that crucial step. As I have observed before, the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.
“But compassion must be paired with action. This December, 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 on it. Therefore, this brings my most heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, researchers and charity workers involved in diagnosis and treatment programmes, together with my particular good wishes to those for whom they care so selflessly.”
Buckingham Palace statement
Since King Charles’ message, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that it has been “delighted by the scale and sensitivity of the worldwide media reaction” and is “most grateful for the many kind comments we have received for the king, both from those working in cancer care and from the general public”.
As reported by Metro, they added: “I know His Majesty will be greatly encouraged and deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated. He will be particularly pleased at the way it has helped to shine a light on the benefits of cancer screening programmes.
“It has long been the king’s view that if some public good can come from sharing elements of his personal diagnosis and treatment journey, then it would be his pleasure and duty to do so.
“His thoughts and warmest wishes will remain with all those affected by cancer and those who care for them.”
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Stand up to Cancer 2025
The broadcast included live reports from cancer clinics at Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth hospitals, along with celebrity segments designed to dismantle fear around screening.
Presenters Davina McCall, Clare Balding, and Adam Hills were among the celebrities supporting the campaign.
Read more: King Charles’ sweet nod to Meghan Markle in Clarence House spotted
Since launching in 2012, the Stand Up To Cancer initiative has raised £113million. It has also funded 73 clinical trials and projects involving over 13,000 cancer patients nationwide.
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