King Charles delivers Easter public message after Kate’s health announcement
A cancer doctor has revealed treatment for the disease can typically take as long as six months, depending on its severity, following King Charles’s latest health update.
Buckingham Palace announced this evening that the King will return to frontline duties, starting as early as next Tuesday.
While details around his diagnosis and treatment have remained private, oncologist Doctor Silvia Slavikova explained how cancer treatment can vary depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.
Assistant medical director at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, Dr Slavikova, said there are some “general guidelines”.
The more advanced a cancer is, the longer treatment is likely to take.
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The Palace announced King Charles’ cancer diagnosis earlier this year (Image: Getty Images)
“Without knowing which type of cancer King Charles has, it is very difficult to pinpoint which treatment options he will have chosen and how long they will last – but there are some general guidelines,” she told Express.co.uk.
Dr Slavikova explained that there are five stages of cancer, from stage zero when there are only abnormal cells that have the potential to become cancerous, up to stage four where it has spread to other parts of the body.
“Obviously the more advanced the cancer is, the harder it is to treat and the longer it could take,” she said.
Treatment options
There are a number of different treatments available to cancer patients.
“Most patients” will have a combination of treatments, Dr Slavikova said, which could include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Surgery can be an option if the cancer is isolated to one area.
“Surgery, which is a more immediate measure and can be the most effective, is very important but is not an option in all types of cancer and also if the cancer has spread,” she said.
Dr M Adil U Khan, a GP at Pall Mall Medical, added: “Surgical treatment involves removing cancerous tumours or tissues from the body.
“The duration of surgery and recovery time depend on factors such as the size and location of the tumour, as well as the type of surgery performed (for example, minimally invasive vs open surgery).”
Charles stepped back from public duties following the announcement of his diagnosis (Image: Getty Images)
Chemotherapy, often administered for up to six months at a time, comes with some nasty side effects.
Dr Slavikova added: “A course of chemotherapy will usually take between three to six months and involves the patient taking medication or receiving infusions that travel through the bloodstream, killing off tumour cells that are in the process of division.
“Side effects include hair loss, fatigue, nausea and changes in blood cell count – it depends on the type of chemotherapy.”
In contrast, radiotherapy is typically shorter. Most patients undergo five sessions a week over a three to nine-week period.
“This treatment involves high doses of radiation being targeted at a tumour to kill it off, with the side effects depending on how close to which organs the tumour lies,” she explained.
General symptoms of cancer to be aware of (Image: Express.co.uk)
“One type of radiotherapy that is growing in popularity is proton beam therapy, which uses high energy protons rather than conventional photon beams.
“These protons can deliver radiation to a tumour with greater precision, therefore preventing unnecessary damage to nearby tissue and organs.
“This can be especially important when a tumour is situated in a delicate place, such as next to the brain, heart or spinal cord.
“Other cancer treatment options include hormone therapy, used mostly for breast and prostate cancer.”
According to Dr Khan, immunotherapy is also an option. He said: “Immunotherapy may be administered over several weeks or months, depending on the specific drugs used and how the patient responds to treatment.
“This technique works by boosting the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. Duration and frequency may vary based on factors such as the type of cancer, the drugs used and the patient’s reaction to treatment.”
Buckingham Palace announced King Charles’ cancer diagnosis on February 5.
Dr Slavikova added: “His spokesman stated clearly that despite the disease being identified during a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, it is not prostate cancer. However, they have not disclosed any further details.”
On Friday evening, the Palace announced the King will be making a return to frontline duties.
A spokesperson said: “His Majesty The King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis.
”To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead.
“In addition, The King and Queen will host Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan for a State Visit in June, at the request of HM Government.
”As the first anniversary of The Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.”