A medical professional has explained that different types of cancer treatment cause potential side effects in various patients following King Charles’s brief hospital visit. The monarch was hospitalised and later discharged on Thursday after experiencing adverse reactions to his cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace confirmed. David James, Prostate Cancer Research patient projects director, explained that the common cancer treatments chemotherapy and radiotherapy have common side effects that vary from person to person.
King Charles’s cancer was discovered during an unrelated procedure for an enlarged prostate. The Palace has not revealed what kind of cancer the King has or what treatment he has been receiving.
Dr James told GB News: “Chemotherapy comes in cycles, and there are short-term side effects, usually lasting a couple of days before people start to feel better. “People typically go through a few rounds of that. There are also other short-term treatments, such as radiotherapy, which can have side effects, but again, they can present very differently depending on the individual.
“Whether you experience short-term side effects or ones that last longer can vary. [It’s] difficult to say what type of treatment he might be receiving, especially since they haven’t confirmed what type of cancer he has other than saying he has cancer.”
Mr James stressed that the King may not have experienced these precise side effects, but rather they are more general consequences of chemotherapy.
He said: “I’d be totally speculating, so this is obviously not related to the King’s cancer when I say this.
“However, you might be thinking about chemotherapy, which typically requires going into the hospital, though it can also be administered at home. That doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what he was undergoing.”
The medical expert also underscored the importance of following professional advice when it comes to cancer treatment an any side effects that may arise as a result.
He said: “But again, I just want to reiterate that it is extremely important for anyone going through cancer treatment to follow their healthcare professional’s advice and take rest when needed.
“This will significantly improve the chances of the treatment being effective, as giving your body time to rest and recover is essential.”
This comes after Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming King Charles’s short hospital visit. The side effects of his cancer treatment “required a short period of observation in hospital”, it said.
The statement continued: “His Majesty has now returned to Clarence House and as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary programme will also be rescheduled.
“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
