WILLIAM’S CANCER WARNING
Prince speaks of ‘unimaginable challenges’ caused by virus
PRINCE William spoke yesterday of the ‘ unimaginable challenges’ faced by cancer patients as a result of the virus.
The Duke of Cambridge said the ‘knock-on effects’ of the crisis had been particularly acute for those who faced delayed treatments.
It comes just days after the prince warned of a ‘mental health catastrophe’ if lockdowns prevented socialising.
Many experts have warned the panpresident demic has had a devastating impact on cancer sufferers, with vital treatment postponed or cancelled.
William followed in his mother’s footsteps to lay the foundation stone of a cancer research centre at The Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton, Surrey.
He spoke to staff about the rapid changes they had implemented to keep treatment going during the crisis.
This included the creation of a Covid-free cancer hub which ensured patients were able to continue with their urgent surgery. In a speech, William, who is of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, acknowledged the difficulties faced by patients across the country who have had treatment delayed as a result of the lockdown.
He was there to mark the start of construction of the trust’s Oak Cancer Centre – a research and treatment facility. His visit came 30 years after his mother, Princess
Diana, donned a hard hat to lay a ceremonial stone at The Royal Marsden’s second hospital in Chelsea. He said: ‘ I am delighted to lay the foundation stone of the Oak Centre, 30 years after my mother did the same.
‘But before the official groundbreaking moment, I want to acknowledge the unimaginable challenges that all those at the
Marsden have faced this year. The knock on effects of coronavirus have been felt widely – but the impact on cancer treatment for patients has been one of the most acute and challenging.’
The prince also launched an appeal to raise the final £8million needed to build the £70million Oak Cancer Centre, which will host more than 400 researchers as well as patients. It is due to open in 2022.
He added: ‘Despite the challenging times we are living in, it is so important we... acknowledge the tremendous work that continues all around us... Irrespective of the global pandemic, there remains hope for the many thousands of people dealing with the effects of cancer.’
WILLIAM: COVID MENTAL HEALTH ‘CATASTROPHE’ Tuesday’s Mail