King Charles' decision to make enlarged prostate treatment public helps raise awareness of a serious condition – Scotsman comment

King Charles could have kept the reason for his visit to hospital private

The Royal Family may be subject to considerable public scrutiny but they are also entitled to a private life. So King Charles did not have to reveal the reason why he is going in for hospital treatment next week. The 75-year-old monarch will have a “corrective procedure” as part of treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Of course, in choosing to make this public, he is avoiding considerable speculation and pre-emptively calming those who might have feared the worst. However, he is also helping to promote the need for men of a certain age to be aware of the potential for prostate-related health problems.

The biggest concern is cancer – the King’s condition is thankfully benign – but symptoms of an enlarged prostate are not necessarily a sign that this feared disease has struck. That said, men who experience those symptoms, which include difficulty in starting or stopping urination, a weak flow and needing to go more frequently, would be wise to get them checked out.

It’s a decision that could bring relief from sleepless nights – and one that might just save your life.