The United Kingdom in tension since Friday: the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton decided to put an end to the rumors and revealed in a video that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
The 42-year-old princess announced in a video: “Prince William and I have done everything we can to process and manage the disease privately for our young family. “It’s been a very difficult two months for our family, but I’ve had a great medical team who have taken good care of me and I’m grateful on them”.
King Charles, who himself was recently diagnosed with cancer, responded to the painful revelation of Princess Kate Middleton, saying that “I’m proud of Kate”.
Here are all the details that are known so far regarding the cancer that the future Queen of Great Britain had:
What did Princess Kate of Wales say regarding her cancer?
The princess said at the end of the week that she is undergoing treatment for cancer that was discovered following major abdominal surgery. She began “preventive chemotherapy” treatment at the end of February.
When was the cancer diagnosed?
The princess underwent the surgery in January. The palace did not reveal details at the time but said that the procedure was planned and her condition “is not related to cancer”. Apparently during the operation the cancerous lump that was removed was diagnosed, it was sent for a biopsy which confirmed that it was indeed a malignant cancer.
What type of cancer did Kate have?
Kensington Palace did not disclose the type of cancer. The palace spokesman said: “We will not share additional private medical information. The princess has a right to medical privacy like the rest of us.” However, given the clues sent so far, the speculation in the UK medical community is that it is either colon cancer, or cancer related to the uterus or ovaries.
What is “preventive chemotherapy”?
Kate said her medical team has advised her to undergo “preventative chemotherapy” and she is in the early stages of that treatment. Chemotherapy is an umbrella term for drugs designed to eliminate cancer cells, and they are given by infusion or pills. Preventive chemotherapy following surgery is given to reduce the risk that the cancer will return in the future.
Where is Kate treated?
Kate’s surgery took place at a private clinic in London. The palace did not reveal the exact location, but in her video message, Catherine thanked the “fantastic team” who took care of her.
What are the warning signs that may indicate cancer?
There are many signs of a cancerous growth, but if one of the following appears, you should contact your doctor immediately:
- Unexplained bleeding or pain
- Abnormal lump or swelling
- unexplained fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- persistent cough
- high fevers lasting more than 3 weeks in a row,
- Abnormal changes in output
- Unusually intense headache and blinding from normal light
- Multiple vomiting
