King Charles urges early cancer screening as treatment set to reduce

Britain’s King Charles III said on Friday, 12 December, that his cancer treatment is expected to be reduced in the coming year, using a televised address to urge people across the country to take part in cancer screening programmes, officials confirmed.

In a pre-recorded message broadcast as part of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, the 77-year-old monarch described the reduction in treatment as a “milestone” in his recovery. He credited early diagnosis and advances in medical care for his progress.

“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,” King Charles said.

In his address, the King stressed the life-saving importance of early diagnosis, noting that millions of people in the United Kingdom are not up to date with recommended cancer screening, and encouraged viewers to overcome reluctance about tests.

He said the experience had underscored for him that “early detection quite simply saves lives” and highlighted advances in treatment that have enabled him to continue an active life even while receiving care.

The King, who was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, has continued to fulfil many public duties while undergoing treatment.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that his care will shift into a ‘precautionary phase’, with ongoing monitoring by medical specialists, but did not disclose the specific type of cancer he has.

Britain's King Charles at reception in celebration of community-based initiatives raising awareness about cancer, Buckingham Palace, London, 30 April, 2025
Reuters

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and health campaigners welcomed the monarch’s message, with Starmer saying on social media that "early cancer screening saves lives" and expressing relief at news that the King’s treatment will be reduced.

Charles’s highly personal public appeal marks one of the most candid health updates from a British sovereign in recent decades and reinforces government efforts to encourage participation in national screening programmes for conditions such as breast, bowel and cervical cancer.

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