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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think King Charles would do more for awareness by saying which cancer he has

243 replies

DontLeanOnTheKeyboard · 06/02/2024 21:05

Why all the secrecy? Everyone knows where the prostate is so is fully aware of the initial investigations - if he is happy to share that very personal info, why not say what cancer? It would surely be more useful for him to say ‘it’s this, I had symptoms but ignored them..’

Same as what the Queen died of and I think Kate’s missed a trick in not making herself more human by sharing a little more around the abdo surgery. Childbirth does all kinds of shit to women’s bodies, it seems a good subject to say ‘happens to us all’

Is there some royal protocol that means they can’t say?

OP posts:
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MidnightSerenader · 07/02/2024 03:29

…and this thread helps explain exactly why there were always so many rubber-necking spectators at the gallows and the guillotiné, in the ‘good’ old days…. 😒

Beak out - the intimate details are none of your business.

TotalAbsenceOfImperialRaiment · 07/02/2024 03:53

They are not obliged to share their personal medical information, any more than the rest of us are.

Zanatdy · 07/02/2024 03:57

A bit further down the line maybe he will. He didn’t need to disclose the prostate surgery but did, give him some time to absorb this news.

TotalAbsenceOfImperialRaiment · 07/02/2024 04:01

Halfwaytheree · 06/02/2024 22:53

To be honest, he’s the King - any personal medical information shared at this time should be on a need to know basis. Presumably it counts as being classified or a security risk. The King having cancer and being unwell puts the UK/monarchy in a bit of a vulnerable position- I wouldn’t put it past people to target the King as a result. Whether that’s intercepting medication or assassination attempts lol (maybe I watch too many shows). I don’t think raising awareness of the type of cancer he has is the top priority right now.

The King is already a target because of who he is. Why would anyone specifically target him for having cancer?

How would his medication be intercepted?

Why would the UK be 'in a vulnerable position' because the King is unwell? Vulnerable to what? Foreign invasion? The late Queen was unwell for years before she died, but it didn't affect the safety of the realm.

Why would the monarchy be vulnerable? They have two generations of future monarchs already in store.

You are a loon.

TotalAbsenceOfImperialRaiment · 07/02/2024 04:03

cakeorwine · 06/02/2024 21:17

How will cancer affect Charles and the thousands diagnosed every day? | King Charles III | The Guardian

"People with cancer are often encouraged to be positive but it is not always easy. Living with cancer and its treatment can be frightening. However, it is clear that the king hopes his diagnosis may raise greater awareness of the disease.
Buckingham Palace said he chose to share his cancer diagnosis to “prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer”.
Despite the fact that so many will develop the disease like Charles, not everyone is fully aware of the signs and symptoms.
They include changes in bowel habits, bloating, bleeding, lumps, moles, unexplained weight loss, indigestion or heartburn, itchy or yellow skin, tummy or back pain, and feeling tired or unwell."

Is having a terrible temper also a symptom?

Samlewis96 · 07/02/2024 04:05

Lantyslee · 06/02/2024 21:29

If I'd been diagnosed with cancer in the last couple of weeks I'd be feeling pretty shocked and worried and I imagine I'd want some time and space to process the news. I don't think he needs to tell anyone, although clearly there needed to be some explanation for cancelling engagements.

So true, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer 2 years ago. Only told a select few people. Many casual aquatics still don't know

ChiefEverythingOfficer · 07/02/2024 04:17

I think the opposite. I admire them for having a shred of personal boundary. It makes for a refreshing change - after The Life Spew that is the Sussex train crash.

mumedu · 07/02/2024 04:24

I think he would raise awareness by waiting in the NHS queue, like every other cancer patient in this country.

Kedece2410 · 07/02/2024 04:36

mumedu · 07/02/2024 04:24

I think he would raise awareness by waiting in the NHS queue, like every other cancer patient in this country.

What you don't think other cancer patients go private. And he should potentially risk his life by delaying treatment un necessarily

Why would you want someone who can well afford to go private, take up valuable NHS resources. Can you imagine the outcry if he did

He really is in a no win situation

helpnohelpno · 07/02/2024 05:11

It's in the public interest to know if there is a change to his health but we don't need to know his private medical records no.

MikeRafone · 07/02/2024 05:14

If you’re happy for me to nose and scrutinise your medical history, then I get your point

IloveAslan · 07/02/2024 05:18

mumedu · 07/02/2024 04:24

I think he would raise awareness by waiting in the NHS queue, like every other cancer patient in this country.

Do you really think that every other cancer patient in the country is treated via the NHS??

You don't seem to know much about life.

hopscotcher · 07/02/2024 05:30

It's nothing to do with 'awareness' or making themselves seem more human. We know about cancer, and human beings don't need to make themselves seem 'more' human. Wanting to know people's personal medical details is nosiness.

shearwater2 · 07/02/2024 05:41

mumedu · 07/02/2024 04:24

I think he would raise awareness by waiting in the NHS queue, like every other cancer patient in this country.

Yes, exactly. What he could do if/when he feels better is to raise awareness of how bloody long it takes anyone else with the same condition to be diagnosed and treated.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/20/cancer-test-and-treatment-delays-in-uk-have-put-100000-lives-at-risk-since-2014

@IloveAslan Oh well, they should have just gone private. 🙄

Cancer test and treatment delays in UK have put ‘100,000 lives at risk’ since 2014

Some patients’ cancer became incurable as a direct result of long waits, says Macmillan Cancer Support

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/20/cancer-test-and-treatment-delays-in-uk-have-put-100000-lives-at-risk-since-2014

CrunchyCarrot · 07/02/2024 05:53

Who says Charles had symptoms but 'ignored' them? Isn't that a leap? I don't think he should be sharing every last detail, no. Whatever he does, he'll be criticised, anyway. As this thread shows!

cakeorwine · 07/02/2024 05:57

ThomasinaLivesHere · 07/02/2024 01:10

I agree with the majority that he’s entitled to medical privacy. However I also don’t get the praise that this raises awareness as we aren’t getting any info on the specific cancer unlike the enlarged prostate which apparently has lead to more men getting that checked out.

I think this is the point of the OP.

He is being "praised" for raising awareness and the Palace hope it raises awareness.

I am not sure if it is raising awareness.

He is fully entitled to privacy - and we don't need to know what cancer it is However, his cancer diagnosis and the publicity around it should not be used for by the media and the Palace to say that he raising awareness as I am not sure raising awareness in this context looks like.

NewbieSM · 07/02/2024 06:00

Nah you're just nosy OP, no one, not even the King owes anyone any private medical information. As for raising awareness for cancer being his responsibility also bullshit. If you are so bothered why don't you volunteer for a cancer charity to raise awareness? Or better yet post your own personal medical info for us all to read. It's the least you could do after all

Louise303 · 07/02/2024 06:04

Both Charles and Kate have a right to privacy when it comes to there health wishing them both well. It must be awful for him battling a cruel disease but still having to put on a brave face to the public.

kkloo · 07/02/2024 06:05

cakeorwine · 06/02/2024 21:10

It was interesting to hear the press say he had raised awareness by saying people should go the GP if they have symptoms.

But what symptoms?

He does have medical privacy obviously - but cancers come in so many forms and with so many symptoms

The symptoms that they have??? The little (or maybe big) things that they've been putting off hoping that they're nothing...

People know when their body is doing something that it didn't do in the past, or when they're experiencing something unpleasant, or perhaps had a little niggly thing that has got worse.

eggbot · 07/02/2024 06:18

Say someone you knew told you they had cancer. A friend, an employee, your boss, the person you talk to every day when you pick up your groceries from the shop, whoever.

Would you be demanding to know which cancer and why they weren't doing more to raise awareness of cancer?

shearwater2 · 07/02/2024 06:20

kkloo · 07/02/2024 06:05

The symptoms that they have??? The little (or maybe big) things that they've been putting off hoping that they're nothing...

People know when their body is doing something that it didn't do in the past, or when they're experiencing something unpleasant, or perhaps had a little niggly thing that has got worse.

If you can get past a shite telephone system and rabid receptionist and actually see a GP. Then be fobbed off for several months by them telling you all the niggles and changes are just IBS.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67625376

Claire O'Shea on holiday with her partner Rhydian

Cancer: Woman's condition incurable after IBS misdiagnosis

Claire O'Shea was told she had IBS but a masseuse on a Turkish holiday spotted a more sinister cause.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67625376

Acatdance · 07/02/2024 06:32

Give the poor man a chance! He's only just been diagnosed. He might reveal more information in time. He's clearly shocked and upset at the moment; look at him trying to smile for the cameras while he's on the verge of tears Sad

To think King Charles would do more for awareness by saying which cancer he has
cuckyplunt · 07/02/2024 06:38

He’s an old man, he generally looks a bit watery eyed tbf.
I do wish him well though and not only because we need to get a bit more value out of that insanely expensive coronation.

Hesma · 07/02/2024 06:43

Say you had to have a hysterectomy or had issues with your pelvic floor… would you want the whole world knowing?

AutumnCrow · 07/02/2024 06:55

Maybe Omid Scobie will be able to reveal the info in the not too distant future.