Skip to main content

King Charles III Diagnosed With Cancer

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 6, 2024.

By Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Feb. 5, 2024 -- Follow-up from recent surgery for an enlarged prostate has revealed that Britain's King Charles III has cancer, Buckingham Palace announced Monday.

The palace did not disclose the type of cancer that was discovered.

"During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted," the palace said in a statement. "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer."

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," the statement added. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual."

Charles is grateful to his medical team at the London Clinic, a private hospital, for the swift detection of the cancer, according to the statement.

"He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," the palace statement said. "His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

Charles, 75, was admitted to the London Clinic on Jan. 26 and spent three nights there being treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It's a common condition affecting men as they age.

The prostate is located between the pelvis and the bladder, and as it grows in size it can put pressure on the bladder and urethra, explained Dr. Ravi Munver. He's vice chair of urology at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, N.J.

Munver stressed that BPH is not a cancer, and it will not raise a man's odds for cancer.

It's unclear which type of surgery the King underwent.

"There are several types of surgery that can be performed for an enlarged prostate, including using a laser or water ablation," Munver said.

Sources

  • Ravi Munver, MD, vice chair, department of urology, Hackensack University Medical Center, and division director, Minimally Invasive & Robotic Urologic Surgery
  • Buckingham Palace, statement, Feb. 5, 2024

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted February 2024

Read this next

Most Cancer Treatments Near End of Life Are Useless: Study

FRIDAY, May 17, 2024 -- Cutting-edge cancer treatments are essentially useless for patients barely clinging to life, a new study shows. Chemotherapies, immunotherapies, targeted...

Global Life Expectancy Could Rise By More Than 4 Years by 2050

FRIDAY, May 17, 2024 -- Life expectancy around the world is expected to increase by nearly 5 years in men and more than 4 years in women during the next three decades, researchers...

Plant-Based Diets Lower Risk of Heart Trouble, Cancer and Death

THURSDAY, May 16, 2024 -- Following a vegetarian or vegan diet might just buy you a longer, healthier life, a new review finds. Staying away from meat was tied to a reduced risk...

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.