Princess Kate announced that she is undergoing “preventive chemotherapy” after undergoing abdominal surgery in January for an unspecified cancer. This revelation has raised questions about the exact nature of this treatment and its potential impact on her health. To better understand, let’s take a closer look at what preventive chemotherapy is and what it entails for Princess Kate.
How does preventive chemotherapy work?
According to Professor Lawrence Young, an oncologist at the University of Warwick, preventive chemotherapy, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy, is often offered after surgery to “reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and spread” in the body. He explains that even after a successful operation, microscopic cancer cells may persist in the body, hence the importance of this treatment.
Andrew Beggs, a surgeon at the University of Birmingham, compares this treatment to “cleaning a floor with bleach” to eliminate these residual cancer cells. However, he also points out that chemotherapy is not without side effects, which can vary depending on the type of cancer and the patients.
Side effects and duration of treatment
Chemotherapy side effects may include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and an increased risk of infection due to a decrease in white blood cells, explains Professor Bob Phillips from the University of York. He also mentions that the treatment is typically administered over several sessions, with recovery periods between each session.
Preventive chemotherapy regimens usually last from three to six months, and recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the nature of the cancer and the patient’s response to treatment.
Trends and prevalence of cancer in young adults
Shivan Sivakumar, an oncology expert at the University of Birmingham, notes a worrying trend of increasing cancer cases in people under 50. He specifically highlights an increase in cases of abdominal cancers, although the reasons for this increase are not fully understood.
Recent research published in the BMJ has confirmed this trend, revealing an increase in cancer cases among Britons aged 35 to 69 over the past few decades. However, despite this increase, the number of cancer deaths has decreased, indicating progress in the treatment and prevention of the disease.
The importance of early detection and preventive chemotherapy
Professor Young also emphasizes the importance of early cancer detection, which can often be accidentally discovered during surgery for other conditions. In such cases, preventive chemotherapy can be particularly effective, offering better chances of long-term healing and remission.
As Princess Kate undergoes her treatment, the public remains attentive to her recovery and well-being. Her decision to share her cancer journey underscores the importance of raising awareness and educating about the disease, as well as the available treatments for those affected.