Charles III has cancer and lets the public know about it. In doing so, he keeps his promise to make the royal family more human and approachable. This is new for the British royals, for whom illnesses have always been a state secret.
The 75-year-old monarch already made his prostate cancer public – with positive consequences. Demand from doctors and medical associations on the topic increased by 60 percent in Great Britain. Now the new finding: “During the king’s recent treatment for an enlarged prostate, another finding was made. Tests have shown that it is a form of cancer,” the palace statement said.
“His Majesty has chosen to make his diagnosis public to avoid speculation and bring understanding to those suffering from cancer around the world.”
These are the most common types of cancer among men and women in Germany
And there are many. Around 20 million new cancer diagnoses were made worldwide in 2022. In Germany, around 260,000 men and 230,000 women develop it every year.
The most common cancers in men in Germany are:
1. Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer (also prostate carcinoma) is the most common cancer among men in Germany, accounting for 25 percent. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around 63,400 new cases are diagnosed every year.
Risk factors:
Age genetic component chronic inflammation of the prostate sexually transmitted diseases
There is little reliable information about lifestyle or environmental risk factors. However, maintaining a normal weight and getting enough exercise could reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Chance of healing: The five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is 91 percent. This means that more than 9 out of 10 men with prostate cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis. As with most cancers, the chance of survival depends very much on the stage of the disease.
2. Lung cancer
At 13 percent, lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men in Germany. According to the RKI, around 34,100 new cases are diagnosed every year (22,590 for women).
Risk factors:
The main risk factor is smoking (for men, up to nine out of ten and for women at least six out of ten illnesses can be traced back to active smoking; passive smoking also increases the risk of cancer). Other risk factors play a subordinate role, including carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, exposure to radon and fine dust , diesel, a hereditary factor is also suspected
Chance of healing: Lung cancer is one of the prognostically unfavorable tumors. This is reflected in the low relative 5-year survival rate of only 19 percent (women 25 percent). Since lung cancer often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages, the disease is often discovered late. There is currently no suitable method for early detection for the entire population.
3. Colon cancer
At almost 12 percent, lung cancer is the third most common cancer among men in Germany. According to the RKI, around 30,530 new cases are diagnosed every year (24,240 for women).
Risk factors:
Old age Tobacco consumption Overweight Lack of exercise (even regardless of obesity) Low fiber diet Alcohol consumption Consumption of a lot of red or processed meat Rare hereditary diseases
Chance of healing: The relative 5-year survival rate for colon cancer is 64 percent (women 66 percent). As with most cancers, the chance of survival depends very much on the stage of the disease.
The early detection is therefore of crucial importance:
from the age of 50 to 54 annually and from 55 years of age every two years: immunological test for hidden blood in the stool from 50 years of age (men) or 55 years of age (women): colonoscopy (colonoscopy), which may include the removal of intestinal polyps could develop into cancer; Alternatively, a stool test and only if this is abnormal a colonoscopy