According to Buckingham Palace, King Charles has been diagnosed with a type of cancer.
It was discovered during his recent treatment for enlarged prostate. The king has begun treatment and his doctors have advised him to postpone official duties for the time being.
What type of cancer does the King have?
The palace has not disclosed what type of cancer the king has or where he is receiving treatment.
He announced that he began a “regular treatment schedule” on Monday.
“Other than confirming that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer, no further details are being shared at this stage,” the statement said.
Could it have something to do with his treatment for enlarged prostate?
The 75-year-old king recently underwent treatment for enlarged prostate.
He spent three nights in a private hospital at the London Clinic last month after undergoing “corrective treatment”.
Following his treatment, the palace announced that the king would postpone official duties “to allow for a period of personal recuperation.”
During his treatment, “other concerns” were identified and he was later diagnosed with a type of cancer.
He will now receive outpatient treatment for his second condition.
What is cancer?
Cancer occurs when cells in certain parts of the body divide uncontrollably.
These cells can spread to other tissues in the body, including organs, and are known as secondary or metastatic cancer.
How is cancer diagnosed?
Doctors usually start by asking questions about your symptoms. Some tests and inspections can also be performed.
This may include blood tests, X-rays or other scans. A small sample of tissue, called a biopsy, may be taken for laboratory testing.
Sometimes, like the king, cancer is discovered when people go for a medical checkup on other business.
Cancer may also be diagnosed through screening tests.
In the UK, we carry out tests for breast, bowel and cervical cancer. Cancer screening checks for early signs of cancer in people who have no symptoms. Other tests then confirm the diagnosis.
How many people get cancer?
One in two people in the UK will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
According to the NHS website, there are more than 200 types of cancer, with the most common in the UK being breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer.
Each cancer is diagnosed and treated in a specific way.
What are the main treatments for cancer?
There are many different ways to treat and manage cancer. It varies greatly depending on the type of cancer and where the cancer started.
Some cancers can be removed with surgery, and chemotherapy drugs can be given intravenously or taken as a pill to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is also an option that is sometimes offered. It uses high-energy light rays to attack cancer.
However, not all treatments are curative.
Are there different stages of cancer?
Staging is a way for doctors to describe the size of the cancer and how far it has spread, which helps determine the best treatment.
Staging can use numbers. 1 refers to small cancers that have not spread. 4 means it has progressed and spread throughout the body.
How many people have recovered from cancer?
The odds of surviving cancer have improved significantly over the past 50 years, but the rate of improvement has slowed in recent years.
According to Cancer Research UK, half of people diagnosed with cancer will survive for more than 10 years.
People diagnosed with cancer before age 40 usually have a good chance of survival.
However, survival rates for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer are highest during middle age.
What should I do if I think I have cancer?
Although it may seem daunting, see your doctor and talk about your concerns.
Although the symptoms you are experiencing may not be cancerous, it is important to get tested.
Catching cancer early often makes it easier to treat.
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