Current:Home > ContactWhat is known about Kate’s cancer diagnosis -GrowthInsight
What is known about Kate’s cancer diagnosis
View
Date:2025-04-16 10:08:43
Kate, the Princess of Wales, has disclosed that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy — though in a video announcement Friday, she did not say what kind of cancer or reveal details of her treatment.
Here’s what is known:
What kind of surgery did Kate have?
Kate had what was described as abdominal surgery on Jan. 16. The news wasn’t announced until the next day, when Kensington Palace revealed that Kate was recovering from a planned operation.
At the time, officials said her condition wasn’t cancerous but did not specify what kind of surgery, saying only that it was successful.
When was Kate’s cancer found?
During the video announcement Friday, Kate said: “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” and that she was in the early stages of treatment.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, said she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Here’s what you need to know.
- Kate has been out of view from the media, leading to weeks of speculation and gossip before the announcement.
- The news is another shock for the royal family since the news last month that King Charles III was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer.
- Catch up on how the news unfolded — as it happened — with AP’s live coverage.
- The timeline: A look at recent events that have fueled rumors relating to the royal family.
She didn’t say what kind of cancer was found, nor did she give details of her chemotherapy. The statement from Kensington Palace said Kate found out about the cancer after post-surgery tests were done.
Is it unusual to find cancer after surgery?
While it’s rare to find cancer after surgery for a noncancerous problem, it does happen in about 4% of such surgeries, said Dr. Yuman Fong, a surgeon at City of Hope cancer center in Southern California.
“That 4% figure represents someone who’s going to the operating room for what is thought to be benign disease” such as a procedure to remove the gallbladder or ovarian cysts, Fong said.
Is it unusual to find cancer in someone so young?
Yes, cancer is rare in young adults. But in developed countries, rates of some cancers are rising among younger adults. Kate is 42.
“We hate it when young people get cancer, but at the same time, they are the ones that recover best,” Fong said.
What kind of treatment is Kate having?
The palace statement said no details would be provided about her cancer or her treatment, other than she started it in late February.
“We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy as we all do,” the statement said.
After successful surgery, chemotherapy is often used to help kill any stray cancer cells and to prevent the cancer from coming back. Treatments have evolved, and when chemo is used now, it’s sometimes for shorter periods or lower doses than it once was.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Fatigue, nausea, tingling in the hands and feet, and sometimes hair loss are side effects of chemotherapy, said Dr. Monica Avila of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. But there are medications for improving these side effects. And cold caps that cool the scalp can prevent hair loss, Avila said.
“A patient can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or two to recover from those effects,” Avila said. Numbness and tingling can take longer to disappear, she said.
How long will Kate’s treatment last?
The palace statement said that will be up to her doctors. “The princess is now on a recovery pathway,” the statement said.
___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
veryGood! (45121)
Related
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Nick Carter Shares Family Video in First Post Since Sister Bobbie Jean Carter's Death
- The Empire State rings in the new year with a pay bump for minimum-wage workers
- In rare apology, Israeli minister says she ‘sinned’ for her role in reforms that tore country apart
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- Off-duty police officer is killed in North Carolina after witnessing a crime at a gas station
- In Iowa, Nikki Haley flubs Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark's name
- UFL (the XFL-USFL merger) aims to not join long line of failed start-up pro football leagues
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Pakistan election officials reject former prime minister Khan’s candidacy in parliamentary election
Ranking
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Aaron Jones attempted to 'deescalate' Packers-Vikings postgame scuffle
- Dolphins' Raheem Mostert out against Ravens as injuries mount for Miami
- Knicks getting OG Anunoby in trade with Raptors for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Beyond Times Square: A giant Peep, a wrench, a crab. A look at the weirdest NYE drops.
- Controversy again? NFL officials' latest penalty mess leaves Lions at a loss
- Cowboys vs. Lions Saturday NFL game highlights: Dallas holds off Detroit in controversial finish
Recommendation
Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
Russia carries out what Ukraine calls most massive aerial attack of the war
Man wielding 2 knives shot and wounded by Baltimore police, officials say
Nigel Lythgoe Responds to Paula Abdul's Sexual Assault Allegations
Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
$20 for flipping burgers? California minimum wage increase will cost consumers – and workers.
Nigel Lythgoe Responds to Paula Abdul's Sexual Assault Allegations
On New Year’s Eve, DeSantis urges crowd to defy odds and help him ‘win the Iowa caucuses’