Hope for men's health after King Charles diagnosis

King Charles pictured wearing a grey suit
Image caption,

The King was praised for being open about his diagnosis

  • Published

Health campaigners said others could be prompted to speak about their health after King Charles III disclosed he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that King Charles had a form of the disease but did not specify what type or how advanced it was.

Reaction to the news poured in from across the world, including in the West Midlands where people praised the monarch's openness.

Dr Jeff Foster, a men's health specialist, was among those who said it could help others get checked out.

The GP, from TFJ Private GP Services in Warwickshire, told BBC Radio WM: "Anything that gets men to become more aware and talk about their health is an amazing outcome.

"It's probably the hardest speciality I could have picked because blokes just do not want to talk about their health.

"We bury our head in the sand about everything."

Image source, Dr Jeff Foster
Image caption,

Dr Jeff Foster said the announcement could help others

Susie Coleman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 26, also reacted to the news.

The Worcester woman raised more than £100,000 for the city's breast cancer unit along with her best friend Kate Butler, who died from the disease in 2018.

A specialist nurse was appointed in memory of the devoted fundraiser and will support those living with stage-four breast cancer in Worcestershire.

"Hopefully they have caught it early," Ms Coleman said of King Charles.

"That's the most important part, to start treatment early so hopefully the outcome can be a really positive one."

Image source, Family handout
Image caption,

Best friends Kate Butler (left) and Susie Coleman raised more than £100,000 for a breast cancer unit

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, external, X,, external and Instagram, external, Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, external