King Charles shares 'milestone' update in his cancer recovery
King Charles revealed that early diagnosis has allowed his cancer treatment to be reduced in the new year, using his personal milestone to urge the public to stay up to date with screenings and help catch cancer early.
King Charles' cancer treatment "can be reduced in the New Year".
The 77-year-old monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and has undergone weekly treatment since then.
In a video message - filmed at the end of November - that aired on Channel 4 as part of the broadcaster's Stand Up To Cancer 2025 event on Friday night (12.12.25), he reflected on how early diagnosis "transformed" his treatment journey and how early detection is vital because it may give "invaluable time to medical teams, and to their patients, the precious gift of hope".
And as King Charles - who is thankful for "doctors, nurses, researchers and charity workers involved in diagnoses and treatment programmes" - stressed the importance of early diagnosis, he revealed the "milestone" in his cancer journey, which he described as a "personal blessing".
The royal - who, during his own cancer journey, has been "profoundly moved" by the "community of care" for every cancer patient - said: "Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.
"Now, I've 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 an 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 doctor's 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 per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives."
However, the monarch is concerned that "at least 9 million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them".
King Charles understands a cancer diagnosis "can feel overwhelming", and has heard that some people avoid screening because "they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable".
However, he said that once people "finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part".
King Charles added: "A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told they don't need further tests or for some are given the chance to enable early detection with the lifesaving intervention that can follow."
The royal was "encouraged" to learn about a new national screening checker, which was launched earlier this month and tells people who are currently eligible for breast, bowel, or cervical cancer screening programmes.
King Charles said: "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."
He concluded his message by encouraging people to help catch cancer early.
The monarch said: "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 in your life, for all the life of someone you love may depend upon it."
