His Majesty's 'brave' decision to make public his cancer diagnosis could help many other people to seek help a local cancer charity worker has said.

Two Bolton cancer support groups have shared their thoughts after Buckingham Palace announced on Monday evening that King Charles III had been diagnosed with the disease.

The Bolton News:

The monarch, had been in hospital for doctors to work on an enlarged prostate when doctors found the issue. 

King Charles III carries out first royal duty as monarch..in Bolton

The palace has said it is not prostate cancer, but has not provided more details. Earlier this week, a prominent Bolton councillor described the diagnosis as ‘immensely sad’.

Now, two Bolton cancer groups have shared their thoughts on the diagnosis, and reminded Bolton residents affected by cancer that help is available locally.

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Sue Summerfield, the manager of the Bolton Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service, said the service was sending its ‘best wishes’ to His Majesty – and reminded Bolton residents that help is available.

She said: “Our thoughts are with His Majesty The King and all his family. We are sending all our best wishes at what we know can be a really challenging time. 

“King Charles has a longstanding history of supporting cancer patients and charities and is a patron for Macmillan Cancer Support. He has seen first hand the impact of cancer and the support available.

“We know when someone in a high-profile position shares their cancer diagnosis it can lead to a lot of interest around cancer from the public.

“The King's brave decision to share his cancer diagnosis will raise awareness, and hopefully encourage people to speak to their GP or attend their screening appointments which could save lives.

“Here in Bolton, the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service offers practical, emotional, and financial advice and support to anyone who has cancer, their relatives, friends, and carers.”

Drop-in Macmillan support is available at the Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton One, and Bolton Hospice.

People are asked to call ahead before making a journey, as opening times can vary.

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Karen Elliott, founder of the Bolton Cancer Voices choir – a choir made-up of people who have had or currently have cancer  – said: “I think it’s so admirable that he has been transparent in letting the nation know that he has had a cancer diagnosis.

“I hope that he and his family are now allowed the space for him to go through his cancer pathway without constant media attention, that he is given that privacy.

“Yes, it’s good to know where things are at and I think we’re already seeing the effect from feedback that’s coming through from the national organisations, more and more people are searching out symptoms, which is absolutely fantastic.

“We have seen it before with other high profile personalities, certainly in the immediate aftermath there is an upsurge in people being more aware of cancer and its symptoms and seeking out help and that sort of thing, and I think it’s so good that he's felt able to do that.

“But, equally I do think there’s a time and place where we all need to respect his privacy and allow him and his family the time to take on board and deal with what’s happening to them as an individual and as a family.”

She added: “We would love to welcome more new members. If people are interested in joining the choir and experiencing the therapeutic joy of singing. If they contact us, we don’t accept people walking in on the night; since Covid we need to be a bit more measured.

“Perhaps one day King Charles will come in and sing.”

Those interested in joining the choir can call 01204 595562.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.