By james art Charles visited the Melanoma Institute Australia in Sydney to learn about the pioneering skin cancer treatment.
The event was hosted by the institute’s joint medical directors Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolier, named Australians of 2024 in recognition of their key work.
“In the six decades since my first visit, of course, I have witnessed both continuity and great change. It is worth reflecting that Australia’s unique character has endured and also evolved, and that Australia has become a stronger nation as a result of becoming one of the… pic.twitter.com/vkjZ3IHR4U
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 21, 2024
In January, Charles spent three nights in hospital for an enlarged prostate procedure, during which time his non-prostate cancer was discovered.
After the major health development was announced on February 6, the king put all public engagements on hold for a period before returning to royal duties and is nearing the end of his first official overseas trip since the diagnosis.
Professor Scoyler, one of the world’s leading melanoma pathologists, said: “It is brave of the King to go public with his cancer journey.
“Everyone has different feelings about a cancer diagnosis. Some people are happy to make it public, but it’s not the same for all patients and I think we have to respect that.
“But for us, what we talked about with the king today is melanoma and the incredible progress we’ve made here.”
Prof Long’s pioneering research into using the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells has been applied to the treatment of Prof Scholer, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. A scan earlier this year showed no recurrence of the cancer.
Charles has stopped his cancer treatment while he is away from the UK and Prof Long said: “This is a common discussion I have with patients and my view, and that of my colleagues, is that we are here for quality of life and that’s how you push things, make them happen for people.
“This is our goal at the Melanoma Institute Australia. So it is very wise to adjust things if you feel good enough. But what is truly fantastic is that the King is well enough to come and be with us today.