Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has revealed that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
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What did Kate say?
Kate provided an update on her state of health through video on Friday afternoon. The message has been recorded on Wednesday and transmitted two days later.
It happened after weeks of concern about her whereabouts and health following her hospitalization in January.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” Kate said.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
She explained her diagnosis was a “huge shock”.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,” Kate added, referring to her three children with Prince William, the king’s eldest son and heir to the British throne.
What type of cancer does Kate Middleton have?
In her video statement, the princess did not specify what kind of cancer she is undergoing treatment for. She shared that it was discovered after an abdominal surgery in January, which she called “major” in her announcement.
The most common types of cancer discovered through abdominal surgery are gastrointestinal, such as colon or stomach, or genital or urinary, By: Dr. Ben Ho Park, director of precision oncology at Vanderbilt School of Medicine. He was sure to point out, however, that “it could be anything.”
What is preventative chemotherapy?
Kate stated in her video that her treatment is “a course of preventative chemotherapy.” While not a clinical phrase, Park believes it refers to a treatment used after any initial treatments, such as surgery, to prevent cancer from recurring.
“Even though the surgeons have removed everything they can see, there could still be cancer cells floating around in the body that, if left untreated, may come back later (and) is then incurable,” Park, who does not have details about Kate’s specific condition, says.
Park, citing clinical trial data, claims that chemotherapy administered after initial treatment can minimize the likelihood of cancer returning.
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A chronology for Kate Middleton’s condition
Kate’s last public appearance was in December 2023, at the family’s annual Christmas party in Sandringham. Her “planned” surgery took place on January 16 and was “successful,” according to the palace.
“It is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” Kensington Palace stated in a statement.
The palace did not reveal the reason for the surgery, but stated at the time that it was not related to cancer. Representatives for the princess stated that only “significant” information will be shared, which was reaffirmed by a spokesman for Kate in February. 29 amid growing rumors surrounding her health.
As per the statement released by the palace on January 29, Kate had gone back to Windsor to recuperate at home following her surgery.
The statement said, “She is progressing well.”
The princess was initially seen by photographers early this month, traveling close to Windsor Castle in her mother’s vehicle. Later, according to a video that went viral on the internet on March 18, she was seen strolling through a market with her spouse.
In a post for Mother’s Day in the UK earlier this month on X, Kate made her first public remarks. The post included a photo that news organizations later withdrew because it appeared to have been altered.
The caption said, “I appreciate all of your well wishes and support over the past two months.” signed off with a “C.” “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”