Speculative statements about types of cancer are increasing.
Royal family: “Please guarantee the privacy of the head of state.”
While King Charles III of England revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer on the 5th (local time), the specific name of the disease was not disclosed, leaving the public confused.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 6th, speculation is rampant instead of facts as the type and name of the cancer that King Charles of England suffers from has not been disclosed. Suspicions were heightened because King Charles had revealed more information about his health than other monarchs.
After Buckingham Palace revealed that the King was suspending his schedule for cancer treatment, questions asking for additional information poured in. In response, the royal family released more information about King Charles’ health condition.
The royal family said that in releasing the information, King Charles said he was sharing his diagnosis “to prevent speculation and to help the public understand those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
However, questions were raised about the royal family’s actions. It is paradoxical to try to prevent people’s anxiety and speculation by only announcing some facts and not even revealing the exact name of the disease.
According to information released by the palace, the King is suffering from ‘a form of cancer’ that was discovered after treatment for ‘benign prostatic hyperplasia’. However, he noted that the type of cancer is not the type of cancer commonly found in prostate procedures.
In response to this, experts and non-experts are guessing the form of cancer based on limited information and are proposing various hypotheses.
Miike van Hemelik, professor of cancer epidemiology at King’s College London, expressed his opinion, saying, “Lung cancer and bladder cancer are also common in elderly men.” Non-expert commentators also raised various possibilities, such as whether it was lymphoma.
According to the NYT, there is an ongoing sharp debate in the UK between the royal family’s right to privacy and the public’s right to know. The British take the position that the leader’s life is directly related to the people, but the royal family insists that privacy must be guaranteed to some extent.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.