Monarch to Deliver Intimate Statement on Cancer in Television Programme

The Monarch has filmed a first-hand account regarding his battle with cancer, scheduled for transmission as part of this year's Stand Up To Cancer campaign, organised by Cancer Research UK and a television broadcaster.

Buckingham Palace said the King would talk about his "healing process" as a cancer patient, in a recorded address on Friday evening at 20:00 GMT.

The recording, filmed within his London residence a fortnight ago, will stress the importance of cancer screening checks to increase the likelihood more people diagnose the condition at an treatable phase.

This constitutes a rare update on the wellbeing of the King, who has been in a course of therapy since the news was shared in early last year. But it is thought doubtful the King will specify his type of cancer.

The Campaign's Central Purpose

The Stand Up To Cancer campaign each year raises funds for clinical trials and patient care and encourages people to get check-ups to boost the chances of an early diagnosis.

The King's candid approach about his health challenge, and his experience as a patient, has been aimed to raise awareness and to persuade more people to get screened - and this will be taken a step further with this exceptional direct participation.

To date the King's main approach to his cancer has been to keep working, upholding a busy schedule despite his frequent sessions of therapy, and he seems not to have sought to be defined by his condition.

Recently has seen the Sovereign, undertaking several international tours, notably to Italy and Canada, and receiving the biggest number of foreign dignitaries to the UK for a generation, including the German president last week.

Charity Broadcast Event

Friday evening's charity show on the network, featuring celebrities like a team of famous hosts, will appeal to people not to be frightened of getting health screenings.

All three have been affected by cancer - one host said in November she had undergone surgery for the disease, while Clare Balding was diagnosed with the illness more than 15 years ago. Presenter Hills has previously discussed his parent, who had a diagnosis and then later another illness.

The show will appeal to the approximate nine million people in the UK who health organisations state are not up to date with NHS screening schemes, with an digital tool to let people determine if they are eligible for tests for several common cancers.

In an bid to demystify cancer checks and illustrate the value of timely identification there will be a live broadcast from cancer clinics at Addenbrooke's and Royal Papworth hospitals in Cambridge.

"My aim is to remove the anxiety from health checks and demonstrate the public that they are not on their own in this," commented one of the hosts.

Understanding Screening Programmes

At present in the UK, there are three publicly available checks - for specific cancers - available to specific demographics.

A recently launched lung cancer screening programme is also being gradually implemented for people at high risk of contracting the condition, focusing on people of a certain age, who currently smoke or were former smokers.

Individuals may discuss prostate screenings, but there is not a universal scheme currently available.

Charitable Impact

The Stand Up to Cancer campaign, which has generated £113m for many years, is financing multiple clinical trials with many patients.

His Majesty, in a message for dignitaries at a reception for support groups in April, had discussed recognising the "intimidating and at times frightening reality" for those diagnosed and their support networks.

But he said his experience of coping with cancer had demonstrated that "periods of great challenge of illness can be alleviated by the kindness of others," as he praised those who looked after individuals with the illness.

Official sources has not disclosed the nature of cancer the King has, or what treatment he has undergone. The King's cancer was identified subsequent to he had received a prostate procedure.