King Charles’s Heartfelt Letter to Scots OAP for Sharing Penile Cancer Diagnosis
Roger Cartwright, a 76-year-old man, recently received a touching letter from King Charles after bravely disclosing his battle with penile cancer. Roger’s journey with cancer started in 2012 when he was diagnosed and went through several surgeries to remove a tumour. Eventually, he participated in a vaccine trial that has helped slow down the progression of the cancer. As a former Royal Naval reserve officer and radio host, Roger found it challenging to open up about his condition due to its sensitive nature.
After initially keeping his diagnosis private, Roger decided to share his story publicly after being approached by a local newspaper. His goal was to reduce the stigma surrounding penile cancer and similar conditions. When King Charles publicly disclosed his own cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Roger sent a letter of support to the palace. Surprisingly, in September, Roger received a unique and special response from the King himself, expressing thanks for Roger’s openness and awareness efforts.
Reflecting on his journey, Roger acknowledged the rarity and taboo nature of penile cancer but emphasized the importance of discussing such issues openly. His consultant in Dundee initially recommended urgent surgery due to a developing tumour, leading to a series of operations. When the consultant proposed a vaccine usually given to teenage girls to slow down the cancer’s progression, Roger agreed to try it, which proved to be effective in managing the disease.
Despite facing additional health challenges, including two strokes in 2019, Roger’s consultant encouraged him to raise awareness about penile cancer. After his local newspaper published his story, Roger was overwhelmed by the support and gratitude from those who reached out to him. Witnessing King Charles and Princess Kate speaking openly about their health struggles inspired Roger to express his appreciation to the King for his courage and advocacy.
On September 11, Roger and his wife, June, received a personalised letter from Buckingham Palace, addressed to Lieutenant Commander Roger Cartwright. The heartfelt content of the letter commended Roger for spreading awareness about cancer symptoms and highlighted the King’s admiration for Roger’s positive outlook. Roger was deeply moved by the personal response, especially considering the usual standard responses from official correspondences.
In conclusion, Roger emphasised the significance of prominent figures like the King and Princess Kate sharing their health stories to encourage others to seek medical attention without fear or shame. By being open about his own journey with penile cancer, Roger hopes to inspire others to prioritise their health and well-being. The exchange of letters between Roger and King Charles symbolises a shared commitment to raising awareness about cancer and promoting open conversations about personal health challenges.