King to Deliver Personal Statement on Cancer in TV Programme
The Monarch has taped a intimate address about his battle with cancer, which will be broadcast as part of this year's annual cancer awareness campaign, spearheaded by a leading cancer charity and a major network.
Official sources said the King would discuss his "healing process" as a individual battling cancer, in a recorded address on this Friday at the evening slot.
The address, taped inside his London residence two weeks ago, will stress the importance of cancer screening checks to ensure more people detect the disease at an treatable phase.
This constitutes a uncommon insight on the wellbeing of the King, who has been receiving ongoing care since his condition was announced in early last year. But it is thought unlikely the King will identify his type of cancer.
Fundraising Primary Goal
The annual charity initiative each year raises funds for scientific studies and treatment and prompts people to get health assessments to increase the chances of an timely detection.
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 advanced with this unique personal contribution.
To date the King's primary strategy to his cancer has been to keep working, preserving a full diary despite his ongoing course of therapy, and he is understood not to have wanted to be characterised by his illness.
This year has seen the 77-year-old Monarch, undertaking several overseas trips, notably to Italy and Canada, and receiving the biggest number of official guests to the UK for almost 40 years, including the German president last week.
The Televised Broadcast Event
This Friday's charity show on Channel 4, featuring celebrities like Davina McCall, Adam Hills and Clare Balding, will appeal to people not to be afraid of getting cancer checks.
Each presenter have been personally touched by cancer - McCall disclosed recently she had had an operation for breast cancer, while Balding was overcame a thyroid condition in the past. Host Hills has previously discussed his late father, who had one form of cancer and then later blood cancer.
The programme will appeal to the roughly nine million people in the UK who Cancer Research UK says are not compliant with NHS screening schemes, with an website to let people see if they are qualified for tests for breast, bowel and cervical cancer.
In an effort to clarify screenings and illustrate the benefit of prompt detection there will be a real-time transmission from treatment centres at two Cambridge hospitals in Cambridge.
"The goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding health checks and prove the public that they are not alone in this," said Davina McCall.
Understanding Health Checks
Currently in the UK, there are a number of NHS cancer screening programmes - for major health concerns - offered to specific demographics.
A emerging scheme for lung health is also being gradually implemented for anyone at increased risk of developing the condition, specifically targeting people aged 55-74 years old, who currently smoke or were former smokers.
Male patients may request prostate cancer checks, but there is not a universal scheme in place.
Funding Research
The fundraising project, which has generated a significant sum for many years, is financing dozens of clinical trials involving many patients.
His Majesty, in a statement for dignitaries at a event for cancer charities in the spring, had referred to acknowledging the "intimidating and at times scary experience" for cancer sufferers and their families.
But he noted his first-hand encounter of coping with cancer had shown him that "the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the kindness of others," as he thanked those who supported individuals with the illness.
Official sources has not disclosed the specific type of cancer the King has, or the therapies he has been given. The King's cancer was discovered following he had had a prostate procedure.
