On March 22nd, 2024, in a 2-minute-long video, Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis. She did not reveal details about her cancer except that she is undergoing ‘preventive chemotherapy,’ in addition to requesting some privacy and space from the public as the family navigates through such a challenging time in their lives.
The cancer diagnosis of the future Queen comes on the heels of King Charles III’s health battle, which was revealed in early February. King Charles III announced that he would be stepping away from public duties as he underwent cancer treatment. Experts have now shared their opinions on Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis, which gives a sight of hope for the Princess of Wales.
Experts explain Kate Middleton’s ‘preventive chemotherapy’
Kate Middleton in her video shared that after she underwent major abdominal surgery in London, they believed that her condition was non-cancerous and the surgery went successfully. However, the test results after the abdominal surgery showed that the cancer was indeed present. Kate Middleton shared with the public that her medical team advised her to undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and added that she is now in the early stages of that treatment.
Dr. Elena Ratner, a gynecologic oncologist at Yale Cancer Center explained the situation surrounding the Princess of Wales, in her conversation with the New York Times. She shared that unfortunately so much of the cancer that gets diagnosed is unexpected, adding that discovering cancer during another procedure (here abdominal surgery) is very common.
Dr. Ratner also explained without speculating on Middleton’s procedure that women go in for surgery for endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the abdomen. She mentioned that pathologists revealed that they found cancer after studying the benign ovarian cyst tissue closely for two weeks.
The benign ovarian cyst is caused by endometriosis that develops on an ovary. She also added that preventive chemotherapy in medical terms is called ‘adjuvant chemotherapy.’
Dr. Eric Winer, director of the Yale Cancer Center, also shared with the publication that adjuvant chemotherapy is the one that prevents further problems and avoids a recurrence of cancer. Dr. Karen Knudsen, Chief Executive Officer of the American Cancer Society shared with CNN that adjuvant chemotherapy is done to weaken the chances of cancer returning.
Dr. Shivan Sivakumar, associate professor in oncology at the University of Birmingham, shared with The Associated Press that preventive chemotherapy after an operation is done to prevent the recurrence and destroy any circulating cancer cells. With experts sharing their positive takes on Kate Middleton’s medical procedure, it goes on to give hope not only to the Royal Family, but also to the public who admire Kate Middleton,
King Charles III reacts to Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis
According to reports by USA Today, King Charles III, who was himself diagnosed with cancer, is keeping close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law. The Buckingham Palace said,
“His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did. Both King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.”
The Guardian also reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have wished good health for the Princess of Wales and hope that Middleton and the family were able to heal privately. They shared,
“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also shared a statement on his X account. He said the Princess of Wales had the love and support of the whole country as she continued her recovery. He added that she has shown tremendous bravery with her statement and pointed out the intense scrutiny that she has been subjected to, by the media and social media.
Sunak added that when it comes to matters of health, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.
We wish Princess of Wales a full and speedy recovery.
