It’s a disease that will strike half of us in our lifetime and almost certainly someone we know and love.
The Princess of Wales is now one of them following her shock diagnosis.
Kate Middleton, 42 years old, bravely revealed today that doctors had discovered an unspecified form of cancer during tests after her abdominal operation.
In an emotional video message, filmed in Windsor on Wednesday, Kate revealed the news had come as a “huge shock” and that she and William “have done everything we can to process and deal with this privately for the sake of our young family. .
Experts and charities have welcomed the move, saying it would encourage other people to seek help for their own potential cancer symptoms.
In a video message released today, Kate said her medical team advised her to undergo preventative chemotherapy. “This has of course been a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she added.
The Princess of Wales said her family (pictured together on December 25) “need time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment”.
Catherine’s moving and extraordinary words in her unpublished video message
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “On behalf of the NHS, I am truly sorry to hear this shocking news.
“Our thoughts are with the Princess of Wales and the Royal Family, especially while her treatment continues.
“We know how difficult a diagnosis and treatment journey can be for patients and their families.
“Talking about it is really courageous and it can help others get worrying signs and symptoms checked.”
“If you’re worried about cancer, the NHS website has more information.”
Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “On behalf of everyone at Cancer Research UK, I wish Her Royal Highness a full and speedy recovery and return to good health.
“During this difficult time, it is important that the Princess has the time and space to focus on her treatment and that we respect the family’s privacy.
“Almost one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime, but many more are affected when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer.
“Thanks to research, there is hope: cancer survival has doubled over the past 50 years.”
She added: “High-profile cancer cases often inspire people to find out more or think about their own health.
“If people notice something that isn’t normal for them or doesn’t go away, they should see their GP.”
“It probably won’t be cancer. But if it does, detecting it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.
The Princess of Wales’ cancer was only discovered after she underwent major abdominal surgery at the London Clinic in January.
Kensington Palace said it would not share details about the type of cancer the princess has, or the stage of her cancer, and asked people not to speculate.
It is understood that the King – who himself was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year – and the Queen have both been informed of the news.
At the time of her abdominal operation in January, Kensington Palace declared it to be cancer-free.
However, post-operative tests later revealed that the cancer “was present”.
Elliot Colburn, MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Cancer Group, also welcomed the Princess of Wales’ decision.
“I wish everyone our best wishes to the Princess of Wales and wish her well with her treatment,” he said.
Potential symptoms of cancer are specific to the type of disease, and experts say the most important thing is to have any new or changed aspects of your body examined by a primary care doctor.
Some of the most common signs include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, a change in bowel habits or bloating for the same period of time, a new bump on the body, unexplained bleeding or weight loss, yellowing of the skin and a feeling of continuous fatigue. and sick.
The Princess of Wales with her children in her Mother’s Day portrait, which now takes on added significance given her diagnosis.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were seen together last week as William attended the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the opening of Evelina London’s new children’s day surgery unit on December 5.
Around 375,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK, including
Some 167,000 Britons die from cancer each year, accounting for a quarter of all annual deaths in the UK.
Cancer survival rates have doubled over the past 50 years, according to data published by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Half of people diagnosed with the disease are now expected to live at least a decade, although these probabilities vary greatly depending on specific types of the disease.
Despite the number of cancer victims in the UK, critical NHS targets for the disease, such as those relating to early diagnosis and treatment, continue to be missed in England.
The health service is currently struggling with a backlog of post-Covid cancer referrals, with the latest NHS data showing more than 10,000 patients have not started cancer treatment within two months of an urgent referral from their general practitioner.
This means that only six in ten cancer patients (62.3 percent) were seen within the two-month time frame.
NHS guidelines say 85 per cent of cancer patients should be seen within this time frame.
But this goal has not been achieved nationally since December 2015.
Only 70.9 percent of patients referred urgently for suspected cancer were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days, compared to 74.2 percent the previous month. The goal is 75 percent.
Kate’s battle with cancer in her own words: The Princess of Wales’ moving 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 recover from surgery.
These last few months have been incredibly difficult for our whole family, but I have had a fantastic medical team who took great care of me, for which I am very grateful.
In January I had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time it was thought my condition was not cancerous. The operation is a success. However, tests carried out after the operation revealed the presence of cancer. My medical team therefore advised me to undergo preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of this treatment.
Of course, this was a huge shock, and William and I did everything we could to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this took a while. It took me a while to recover from major surgery to begin my treatment. But above all, it took us time to explain everything
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that everything will be okay.
As I told them: I am 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 reassurance. Just like the love, support and kindness so many of you have shown. It means so much to both of us.
We hope you understand that as a family we now need time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I can, but for now I need to focus on making a full recovery.
At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this illness in any form, do not lose faith or hope. You’re not alone.