King Charles makes heartfelt plea to the nation over issue that 'troubles him deeply'

Drawing on his own experience, the monarch 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 told viewers that those gifts were ones “we can all help deliver”, before praising what he described as the “community of care” surrounding cancer patients. The King said he had been “profoundly moved” by the specialists, nurses, researchers and volunteers who “work tirelessly to save and improve lives”.

However, he said he had learned something during his own cancer journey that caused him deep concern: “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.”

The King said the consequences of delayed diagnosis were clear, adding: “The statistics speak with stark clarity.”

Citing bowel cancer as an example, he said: “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. Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”

He said he had heard the same message repeatedly during visits to cancer centres across the country and explained that early detection had made a significant difference in his own case. “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment,” he said.

In a personal update, the King told viewers: “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.”

He described this as “a personal blessing” and said he hoped it would offer encouragement to “the 50 per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives”.

The monarch also addressed why many people avoid screening, saying: “Too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable.”

Charles added that when people do attend, “they are glad they took part”, and said “a few moments of minor inconvenience” were worth the reassurance or the chance of early, life-saving treatment.

He highlighted a new national Screening Checker, saying he was “so encouraged” by the online tool, which allows people to check whether they are eligible for breast, bowel or cervical screening. He said it helped to demystify the process and guide people towards taking “that crucial step”.

Reflecting on the wider message, the King said: “The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.

But compassion must be paired with action.” He urged people, as the year draws to a close, to pledge to help catch cancer early, warning: “Your life – or the life of someone you love – may depend upon it.”

The message was released as confirmation emerged that the King would continue to receive cancer treatment, although his recovery has reached a very positive stage.

GB News understands medical advisers have recommended that his treatment schedule can be reduced in 2026, with doctors taking a precautionary approach focused on his continued recovery.

Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase.

“This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritise his continued recovery. As The King has said, this milestone on his recovery journey is ‘a great personal blessing.’”

No details were given about the type of cancer or treatment involved, although palace officials again made clear that the King does not have prostate cancer.

In January 2024, the monarch spent several nights in hospital for treatment for an enlarged prostate, during which a separate cancer was identified.

A spokesman for the King told GB News: “The King has taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment, while always heeding the advice of his medical team.

“His ability to uphold all of his State duties, and to continue with public engagements and overseas tours, has helped greatly with the positive mindset that, as many families will know, is such a vital a part of the recovery journey.”