The news this week that His Majesty King Charles was diagnosed with cancer came as a big shock to all of us. Hopefully, it’s been picked up early and he’ll go on to make a full recovery. I’m now the CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk and we all wish the King well and, of course, our thoughts are with all those who are close to him.

The fact that he has come out and revealed his diagnosis is to be applauded. Not everybody wants to do that but by doing it we’re all talking about cancer. For far too long generations talked about the “Big C” in hushed tones but that’s beginning to change and so it should.

One in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis, so if it’s not us it's someone close to us, a family member, best friend, or work colleague. It used to be one in four, but despite this survival rates have increased tremendously. Many people are now cancer free and others receiving treatment that allows them to live with the cancer for many years.

Too many though are still losing their lives, early diagnosis is critical. At Cancer Support Suffolk we say you know your body better than anyone else, so listen to it. If you have a lump, bump, persistent pain, mole you’re not happy with or a change in bowel habits, go and see your doctor. It may be nothing but on the other hand if it is something, treatment can begin straightaway.

Early diagnosis is crucial to a good outcome. Do you know 25% of people in Suffolk don’t bother to attend a screening invitation and that figure is getting higher. Please go! I know its scary to think you might have cancer but surely better to know, catch it early and your survival rates are better. Treatments are improving all the time and many of them are bespoke for the individual, with huge advantages being made all the time.

When the King went in for treatment for an enlarged prostate, online inquiries about the subject shot up and the same is now true of cancer. It’s a body blow to anyone when they receive a cancer diagnosis and this proves it can affect anyone, young, old, rich, privileged, or poor. It’s not just the person receiving the diagnosis it impacts on. It’s also everyone close to them.

In the future a simple blood test every year will tell us if we have cancer and it will be able to pick it up very early. That’s not here yet and so until it arrives, listen to your body, if something doesn’t feel right get it checked out. Get your partner to look for moles that have changed or when you’re being intimate check each other out.

At Cancer Support Suffolk, we’re a totally local charity and have been helping the cancer community uninterrupted for 25 years. We offer counselling, complimentary therapies, education or just a listening ear to anyone who might need it.

For some it can be a long path and we’re there to hold their hand through it. If you or someone you know needs help and support, then reach out to us by E Mailing theteam@cancersupportsuffolk.co.uk or check out our website www.cancersupportsuffolk.co.uk

You’re not alone.