King Charles has delivered encouraging news regarding his health, revealing that his cancer treatment will be reduced thanks to early detection and careful medical intervention.
In a personal video message for Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign, the King described this development as “both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care.”
The announcement marks the most significant update on the King’s condition since he revealed his diagnosis in February 2024.
While the exact type of cancer has not been disclosed, he confirmed that treatment and monitoring will continue, stressing that “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King’s recovery has progressed very positively, with doctors noting he has “responded exceptionally well to treatment,” allowing his care to move into a precautionary stage.
Although the frequency of his treatment will now be reduced, the King, 77, is not described as being cured or in remission.
In his speech, the King said: “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.” The message was recorded two weeks ago at Clarence House and aired on Friday evening as part of a fundraising project run in partnership with Cancer Research UK.
The campaign highlights the importance of regular cancer checks and national screening programmes, with the King emphasizing that early detection can transform treatment journeys.
“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,” he said.
The King added: “Your life, or the life of someone you love, may depend upon it.” He also reflected on the support that surrounds cancer patients: “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.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the King’s update as “a powerful message” and added: “I know I speak for the entire country when I say how glad I am that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year.”
Since his diagnosis, the King has largely kept details of his illness private, maintaining a busy schedule that included overseas engagements and hosting state visits, including a recent visit from the German president. Just days ago, he attended a candle-lit Advent service at Westminster Abbey, sharing a message of hope and optimism for the season.
The Stand Up To Cancer show, presented by Davina McCall, Adam Hills, and Clare Balding, urged viewers not to fear cancer screenings.
According to Cancer Research UK, around nine million people in the UK are not up to date with NHS cancer screening, which covers breast, bowel, and cervical cancer. The programme also offered an online tool to help people check if they are eligible for screening.
The King expressed concern over the number of missed opportunities for early detection: “The statistics speak with stark clarity. To take just one example: When bowel cancer is caught at the earliest stage, around nine in 10 people survive for at least five years. When diagnosed late, that falls to just one in 10.” Royal sources confirmed that the King’s reference to bowel cancer is not linked to his own diagnosis, with prostate cancer previously ruled out.
To demystify cancer checks, the show featured live broadcasts from Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth hospitals in Cambridge. McCall, who recently recovered from breast cancer surgery, said: “I want to take the fear out of cancer screening and show everyone that they are not on their own in this.”
Currently, NHS cancer screenings are available for bowel, breast, and cervical cancer, with a new lung cancer screening programme being gradually introduced for high-risk individuals aged 55-74 who smoke or previously smoked. Men may inquire about prostate checks, though there is no national programme in place.
Since its launch in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised £113 million and supports 73 clinical trials involving 13,000 patients. Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, highlighted the influence of public figures in encouraging early detection: “Spotting cancer early can make a real difference and provides the best chance for successful treatment.”
