King Charles' cancer: How was it identified?
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As the world reacts with shock to the Buckingham Palace announcement that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, many rumours are also doing the rounds on how it was diagnosed. The Palace has not revealed what form of cancer the 75-year-old monarch has, as specific medical conditions of royal family members are rarely publicised. The authorities said that he has started treatment in London. He has postponed his public engagements, though he will continue in his role as the head of the state of the UK and Commonwealth Realms. Here's how the monarch's cancer was identified:
What led to the diagnosis
On January 17, the Buckingham Palace announced that the King would attend a hospital for a 'corrective procedure' for a benign enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is a relatively common condition among older men. At times, it can lead to issues like lack of sleep due to bladder issues, difficulty in urinating, and even loss of bladder control. While royal family members often opt to keep privacy about their medical issues, Charles wanted to reveal it, to encourage other men, who might be experiencing similar symptoms, undergo necessary checks. Authorities say that while Charles was undergoing the treatment, a separate issue was noted by the doctors. When tested, it was identified as a form of cancer, but Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles does not have prostate cancer.
Quick intervention
In its statement, the Palace said that Charles was grateful for his medical team's quick intervention. “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," read the statement.
King Charles ascended the throne in May 2023. The coronation ceremony was held a few months after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned until her death at the age of 9. She was Britain's longest-reigning monarch, with 70 years on the throne, until her death in September 2022.