The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, through an emotional video recorded in Windsor, announced Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and that, at 42 years old, after surgery last January, she is undergoing “preventive chemotherapy”.
Kate Middleton’s illness was discovered a few days after a major abdominal surgery at the London Clinic.
Now that we finally know what is wrong with Kate, many are wondering what kind of treatment the princess is undergoing.
What is Kate Middleton’s Preventive Chemotherapy?
Preventive chemotherapy, also known as adjuvant therapy, is cancer treatment given after the main surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer returning.
This type of therapy may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to attack cancer cells throughout the body.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024
Although effective, it can also affect healthy cells, especially those that divide rapidly, such as cells in the mouth, stomach, and hair follicles, which can cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
The decision to undergo preventive chemotherapy is based on a careful assessment of the risk of cancer recurrence and is individualized for each patient.
In the case of Princess Kate Middleton, this treatment would follow her abdominal surgery to maximize the chances of a full and lasting recovery.