Cancer Research UK reveals huge response to King Charles' cancer message
Brilliant newsCancer Research UK has revealed the huge response that King Charles’ recent cancer message has already triggered.
On Friday evening (December 12), the monarch delivered a deeply personal address about his experience living with cancer during a special televised broadcast as part of this year’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
It marked one of the most candid updates yet from the monarch since revealing his diagnosis in February 2024.
King Charles’ cancer update
In his message, which aired at 8pm on Channel 4, King Charles emphasised the importance of attending cancer screenings.
He 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.”
He continued: “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. Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives. I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country.”
The 77-year-old then went on to promote Cancer Research UK’s new Cancer Screening Checker, which became available online on December 5.
“It demystifies the process, answers your questions and guides you towards taking that crucial step,” King Charles explained.
The tool allows members of the public to check which cancer screenings are available on the NHS and Public Health Agency in their local area and which ones they are eligible for.
Huge response to king’s message
It seems the monarch’s endorsement of the checker has already had a big impact, with Cancer Research UK experiencing a big spike in visitors to the website.
The charity’s CEO, Michelle Mitchell, revealed, as per GB News: “Since launching our new Cancer Screening Checker, we’ve seen around 100,000 visits so far from people seeking information about cancer screening, with most of these taking place after his majesty the king spoke openly about his own cancer journey during the Stand Up To Cancer live show.”
“This response shows just how important open conversations about cancer can be,” she continued. “Knowing which screening you’re eligible for, and what happens next, isn’t always straightforward, which is why we’ve launched this simple new Screening Checker. Taking just a few minutes to check what screening you’re eligible for could be an important step towards protecting your health and could ultimately save lives.”
Buckingham Palace has also released a statement saying the king would be “deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated”.
Read more: King Charles displays wedding photo of Meghan Markle at Clarence House
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