BBC
King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, Buckingham Palace says.
It was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. The King has started treatment and has been advised by his doctors to postpone public-facing duties for the time being.
What kind of cancer does the King have?
The Palace has not revealed what kind of cancer the King has, or where he is receiving treatment.
It said he began a “schedule of regular treatments” on Monday.
In a statement, it said: “No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that His Majesty does not have prostate cancer.”
Is it linked to his treatment for prostate enlargement?
The King, who is 75, was recently treated for benign prostate enlargement.
He spent three nights at the London Clinic private hospital last month, after undergoing a “corrective procedure”.
Following the treatment, the Palace said the King would postpone his public engagements “to allow for a period of private recuperation”.
A “separate issue of concern” was identified during his treatment and was subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer.
He will now receive treatment for that second condition, as an outpatient.
What is cancer?
Cancer occurs when cells in a specific part of the body divide in an uncontrolled way.
These cells can spread to other tissues in the body, including organs, which is known as secondary or metastatic cancer.
How do you diagnose cancer?
Usually doctors will start by asking questions about your symptoms. They can do some tests and examinations too.
That could include blood tests and X-rays or other scans. Sometimes they take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, to run checks on in the lab.
Occasionally, like for the King, cancer is found when people are going for medical checks for other things.
Cancer may also be diagnosed by tests prompted by screening.
The UK offers screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancer. Cancer screening looks for early signs of cancer in people without symptoms. Other tests then confirm the diagnosis.
How many people get cancer?
In the UK, one in two people develop some kind of cancer during their lifetime.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer – the most common ones in the UK are breast, lung, prostate and bowel, according to the NHS UK website.
Each cancer is diagnosed and treated in a particular way.
What are the main treatments for cancer?
There are lots of different ways to treat or manage cancer. Much depends on the type of cancer and where it is.
Some cancers can be removed by surgery, while chemotherapy drugs can be given into a vein or taken as tablets to kill cancerous cells.
Radiotherapy is another option that is sometimes offered. It uses high energy rays to do attack the cancer.
Not all treatments can cure, however.
How many people recover from cancer?
The chances of someone surviving cancer have significantly improved over the last 50 years, but the rate of improvement has slowed in recent years.
According to Cancer Research UK, half of people diagnosed with cancer survive their disease for 10 years or more.
Cancer survival is usually higher in people diagnosed when they are under 40 years old.
However, survival with breast, bowel and prostate cancers are highest in middle age.
What should you do if you think you have cancer?
It may be daunting, but you should see a doctor and talk about your concerns.
The symptoms you are experiencing…
