Surge in visits to cancer charity website after monarch’s diagnosis
THE “King Charles effect” has led to a large increase in the number of visits to a cancer charity’s website.
Macmillan Cancer Support, of which the King is patron, saw a dramatic increase in searches for information and support on Monday, after his cancer diagnosis was revealed.
The charity said there were 48,304 hits to its website following the announcement – a 42 per cent increase on the same day last year.
The figure also represents the highest daily number of unique page views since at least March 2020.
It is thought likely that the King will use his diagnosis to help further the cause of various cancer charities in the longer term future.
On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace gave Macmillan the green light to urge others in his position to reach out for support, retweeting the charity’s message on its own social media profile.
Gemma Peters, chief executive of the charity, said: “Our thoughts remain with His Majesty the King and his family during what must be a very difficult time. We hope that, by sharing his diagnosis so publicly and at such an early stage, the King will encourage others to come forward and speak to their GP if they are worried about any symptoms.”
She said that at Macmillan, they heard day in, day out about the huge impact a cancer diagnosis can have, on a patient’s life and work, as well as for their friends and family.
“Just as the King wants to continue to carry out his state duties, we understand that many people either want to or have to continue to work during their treatment,” she added.
“Macmillan can support you with this and any other concerns you may have.
“We are here in person, online and via our free, confidential support line, where you can talk to specially trained nurses who can provide practical tips and advice, support with issues around money and work, as well as a listening ear to anyone who may need it.”
The palace revealed on Monday that the King had been diagnosed with cancer after a “separate issue of concern was noted” during treatment for his benign prostate condition at the private London Clinic.
King Charles has been patron of Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 20 years, having taken up the role in 1997, and is also the patron of several other cancer charities, including Marie Curie Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now.
In a speech he gave 25 years ago, as Prince of Wales, at a Macmillan event, he said: “People tell me that being diagnosed with a cancer is like suddenly finding yourself in an unknown land, with no map, no compass, no signposts and no knowledge of the language. The treatments are complex. Many different health professionals are involved – people can see as many as 50 different doctors.
“They need help to find their way in this, no doubt, alien and intimidating world.”
The Prince spoke about the need to “rewrite the rhetoric of cancer” and to “destroy the myths and misconceptions which block understanding and paralyse action”.
Last month, NHS England saw a massive surge in people looking for information on melanoma skin cancer after Sarah, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with the disease.
‘We hope that the King will encourage others to come forward and speak to their GP’ ‘We understand that many people have to continue to work during their treatment’