Kate Middleton has said she is in remission from cancer almost a year after revealing her diagnosis. But what does this mean for her future?
The Princess of Wales announced in March 2023 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. She did not specify what type of cancer she had.
But on Wednesday, January 14, she shared the positive news in a social media post, writing: “It’s a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to the new normal. I’m looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. Thank you all for your continued support.
Although remission does not necessarily mean that the cancer has been eradicated, it represents an important and positive step forward on the road to recovery. “Remission means that after cancer treatment there is no evidence of cancer remaining,” Caroline Geraghty, senior cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK, told PEOPLE.
Prince William steps out for the first time since Kate Middleton announced she is in remission from cancer
As the Cleveland Clinic says, remission is different from cure. Oncologists “consider cancer to be cured if people have no signs or symptoms of cancer for at least five years after treatment ends.”
Geraghty explains why the term is so important to survivors. “If you have had a particularly difficult time with the treatment…not only the physical effect it can have on you and all the side effects…but also the turmoil it causes in your mind and the anxiety, worry and stress it causes you and your family and your loved ones , when you hear the word ‘remission,’ I imagine you take a deep breath of relief.”
Remission can last months or years. Although Princess Kate did not specify her next steps, patients typically see their oncologists for regular check-ups and tests to ensure the cancer does not return or recur. This happens when “cancer cells that are too small to see with the naked eye can begin to grow and spread,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. “Other times, the cancer can come back because it finds ways to grow despite treatment.”
Some cancers are more likely to return than others. If the disease recurs, years of chemotherapy or other treatments may be needed.
Kate Middleton visits patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2024 in London.
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
Kate Middleton told cancer patient she became ‘so attached’ to her chemotherapy opening in heartfelt comment
The Princess of Wales shared the news of her remission while making a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she will join Prince William as Patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
She also confirmed in her statement that she had been treated at the Royal Marsden, writing on X: “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well over the last year. A heartfelt thank you to all those who walked silently with William and me as we went through everything.”
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Source: HIS Education