Waveney cancer support group says number of people at meeting "up by a third" after King's diagnosis

His Majesty has been widely praised for being open about his cancer diagnosis

Published 7th Feb 2024

A cancer support group which supports people in Waveney and Norfolk says the number of people at their latest meeting was up by a third on last time - following news of the King's health troubles.

His Majesty has been widely praised for being so open about checks on an enlarged prostate, and a subsequent diagnosis of an unspecified form of cancer.

"If the King thinks it's important then it must be important to us"

John Ladd tell us that his announcement is having a positive impact:

"Normally we get about 20 people and several mentioned that it was the King's news that prompted them to come along. He's being really honest and it's obviously having an effect.

"There were new people coming along on that Monday evening, who wouldn't have normally come. I guess it gives those people the freedom to feel that if the King thinks it's important then it must be important to us"

"It will also encourage some people who have got symptoms to go and get them checked by their GP. That's the most important thing to do. But even if you haven't got symptoms- if you're over 50 and there's history of prostate issues in the family it's a good idea to get checked as well."

"He's been open and honest about his health"

John continued: "You may have an examination of your prostate but they tend to look at your whole body.

"I suppose it's the same with the King. They have found a cancer elsewhere in his body because he's been open and honest about his health.

"This tells us all to think about our own bodies.

"Things like having a weak flow of urine, stop and start peeing and having to go a lot in the night are signs that things aren't right."

Monday's announcement:

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