In early February, Buckingham Palace announced that the King had been diagnosed with cancer. However, the type and prognosis of the tumor were not disclosed. It is known that the cancer was detected after the King received treatment for an enlarged prostate, but it is not prostate cancer. Treatment for the cancer began immediately. The palace stated that Charles is optimistic about his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming his public duties. 

Nicki Swift interviewed Chadi Nabhan, M.D., MBA, a hematologist and medical oncologist, host of the podcast ‘Healthcare Unfiltered,’ and author of the Johns Hopkins University Press books ‘Toxic Exposure’ and the forthcoming ‘The Cancer Journey,’ to gain insight into the King’s condition. “The first possibility is that, during the prostate procedure, other tests were performed, which detected cancer elsewhere in the body,” cautioned Dr. Nabhan. He also noted numerous potential causes of the 75-year-old Charles’s illness. 

Dr. Nabhan suggests that doctors may have focused on the genitourinary system and detected bladder or kidney cancer. However, it is difficult to determine the type of cancer Charles has since it can occur in any organ of the body.

We also asked Dr. Nabhan about the speed of Charles’ treatment and whether it indicates a more severe condition.

King Charles is already receiving treatment.

After doctors confirmed King Charles had cancer, he began treatment immediately. Dr. Chadi Nabhan suggests that the expedited treatment plan may not necessarily indicate a more severe condition but rather due to his status as King. Dr. Nabhan told Nicki Swift exclusively that without knowing the type and stage of cancer, it is impossible to determine the appropriate therapy. 

Despite their strained relationship, Prince Harry visited the monarch in England shortly after the diagnosis. Many people thought that Charles’ condition was worse than the palace was letting on when he only had a short visit from Harry before he left for California. However, according to People, Harry spent time with his father before leaving. This short trip does not necessarily indicate that Charles is in a severe health crisis.

The royal family has a history of cancer.

They are notoriously private and rarely share extensive details about their personal lives, especially regarding health. King George VI, Charles’ grandfather, died of lung cancer. There has been at least one report that Queen Elizabeth was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer before her death in September 2022. Could Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis be due to his genetics? Does his genetics provide any insight into the type of cancer he has? Not really. 

Dr. Chadi Nabhan stated that he does not believe that his cancer diagnosis at his age is indicative of a genetic issue within the family. Cancer is a disease that primarily affects older individuals, and it is not uncommon for people his age to be diagnosed with a cancerous condition. The presence of cancer in other members of his extended family does not necessarily indicate a genetic condition. I do not find any cause for concern in this matter.