The Princess of Wales’s revelation of her cancer diagnosis has led to an increase in inquiries on the NHS and charity websites.
Visits to the cancer page on the NHS website increased almost five-fold following the announcement, while Cancer Research UK and Macmillan also reported an increase in clicks.
In an emotional video posted on Friday night, the princess told how she was diagnosed with cancer last month, after spending a fortnight at the private London clinic for abdominal surgery in January.
Following in the King’s footsteps, experts hope Kate’s message of hope will encourage more people living with illnesses to seek support.
Figures show that in the 24 hours after revealing he was undergoing treatment, there were 2,840 visits to the NHS page, up 373 per cent on the same period the previous week.
New figures from NHS England show that in the 24 hours after the princess revealed she was undergoing treatment last week, there were 2,840 visits to the cancer page.
Some 4,172 people (the equivalent of one person every three seconds) looked at the cancer symptoms page in the three hours after his recorded television message.
The page had 1,922 visits during the same period a week earlier.
Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK had more than 200,000 visitors to its support pages and Macmillan close to 100,000 by the end of Sunday, the highest weekend figures since the first national Covid in March 2020.
In her television speech, Kate talked about taking the time to tell her children to “reassure them that I’m going to be okay.”
Gemma Peters, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said many cancer patients would relate to her words.
She said: ‘Every day we hear from people who are worried about how cancer will affect their loved ones and how best to support each other through it.
“By sharing her news, the Princess of Wales has raised awareness of these concerns and will help encourage others who have concerns to visit their GP and seek support.”
He added: “Many will be relating to the Prince and Princess of Wales at this time.
“Some of the first thoughts parents have after being diagnosed with cancer are how it may affect their children and whether talking to them about it will worry them, but it’s important to give them the opportunity to talk openly about their fears.”
Similarly, Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said online traffic increased by more than 15 per cent on Friday.
She said: “These figures show how high-profile cancer cases can act as a stimulus to encourage people to know more or think about their own health.”
‘If people notice something that is not normal for them or that does not go away, they should consult their GP. Finding cancer at an early stage means that treatment is more likely to be successful.’
Changes in normal body processes or unusual, unexplained symptoms can sometimes be an early sign of cancer.
Symptoms that should be monitored by a doctor include a lump that appears suddenly, unexplained bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.
In many cases the symptoms will be caused by another condition, but if it is cancer, an early diagnosis means it is easier to treat.
Simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, and not smoking, can also significantly reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer.
NHS England said numbers peaked immediately after the announcement, with 1,678 visits to the symptoms page which included information on types of illness, symptom screening and early diagnosis between 6pm and 7pm last Friday.
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be very daunting – it changes your life and talking about it can be really difficult for people.” The Princess of Wales spoke bravely about her. The diagnosis will help others do the same.
“Thanks to this, we have seen an increase in the number of people visiting vital information on our website about signs and symptoms – there is no doubt that talking about cancer saves lives by encouraging people to report them as soon as possible if they things aren’t going well.”
Kate’s cancer battle in her own words: Princess of Wales’ emotional video statement in full
I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and understanding while I was recovering from surgery.
It has been an incredibly difficult couple of months for our entire family, but I have had a fantastic medical team who have looked after me very well, which I am very grateful for.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time my condition was thought to be non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found that there was cancer. Therefore, my medical team recommended that I undergo preventive chemotherapy treatment and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
Of course, this was a huge shock, and William and I have been doing our best to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery to be able to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it took us a while to explain everything.
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.
As I have told you; I’m doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and peace of mind. As has the love, support and kindness that many of you have shown. It means a lot to both of us.
We hope you understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My job has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I hope to return when I can, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
At this moment I also think of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. To all who face this disease, in any form, do not lose faith and hope. You are not alone.