22/12/2025
King Charles III has broadly urged people across the UK to attend national cancer screenings, highlighting
early diagnosis as "key" to successful treatment. This message was part of a national Stand Up To Cancer campaign, and while it applies to all regions including Basildon, there has been no specific statement directed only at the Basildon Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Key Details of the King's Message
Personal Experience: The King shared his own experience with cancer, stating that early diagnosis allowed doctors to move his treatment into a "precautionary phase" and that he has responded "exceptionally well".
National Concern: He expressed being "deeply troubled" that approximately nine million people in the UK are not up to date with their cancer screenings, representing missed opportunities for early detection.
Call to Action: He encouraged people to overcome any embarrassment or fear regarding screenings, emphasizing that "a few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance" and potentially life-saving intervention.
Public Response: Following his message, Cancer Research UK and NHS websites saw a significant surge in traffic to their cancer screening information pages and an online "Screening Checker" tool, demonstrating the impact of his advocacy.
Cancer Screening in Basildon and Surrounding Areas
The area around Basildon is covered by the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS). The King's message reinforces the local NHS's ongoing efforts to increase screening participation.
Regional Data: The East of England region has generally positive screening uptake rates compared to other regions, with 73.0% bowel cancer screening coverage as of March 2024, above the England average of 71.8%.
Local Initiatives: The Mid and South Essex ICS has noted success in local screening programs, such as lung cancer screening, with an uptake rate slightly higher than the national target.
How to Get Screened: Residents are urged to use the available NHS screening programs when invited. The NHS offers national screening for the following cancers:
Bowel Cancer: Eligible people are sent a home testing kit (FIT test) by post every two years.
Breast Cancer: Women aged 50 to 71 are invited for mammograms.
Cervical Cancer: Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening.
You can check your eligibility for various screenings using the Cancer Research UK Screening Checker or find more information on the NHS website. If you have symptoms or health concerns, do not wait for a screening invitation; contact your GP immediately.
