What we know about the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis

The Princess of Wales is one of hundreds of thousands of Britons diagnosed with cancer every year.

Here are some questions answered about what is known so far about Catherine’s condition.

What type of cancer does she have?

The Princess of Wales, 42, has been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer.

In a personal message issued on Friday evening, Catherine said that when she underwent major abdominal surgery in January, “my condition was not thought to be cancer”.

The operation, which took place at the London Clinic, was successful. After 13 nights in the hospital, the princess left the clinic on January 29. “However, tests after the operation showed that cancer was present,” she said on Friday.

Kensington Palace said it would not share any further medical information about the form or stage of the cancer that was discovered.

What kind of tests have been carried out?

Details about the type of test have not been disclosed, but diagnostic tests for cancer may include blood tests, scans and biopsies.

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample is taken so that it can be examined under a microscope to determine if abnormal cells are present. Catherine said that “tests after the operation showed that cancer was present.”

What is being done?

In her personal message, the princess said that her medical team advised her to undergo a preventive course of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. There are many different types of chemotherapy, but they all work in a similar way. They prevent cancer cells from reproducing, preventing them from growing and spreading in the body.

Catherine said on Friday that she is now “in the early stages” of treatment.

When did she start treatment?

The Guardian has learned that Catherine started a preventative course of chemotherapy at the end of February.

When will the princess end her treatment?

It is still in the early stages and the decision on when the project will be completed will depend on medical advice.

How does Catherine feel?

She said the past few months had been “incredibly tough” for her and her family, but she was in good spirits and focused on recovery.

“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.”

The princess added that she is looking forward to returning to work, but for now she must “focus on a full recovery.”

Will her diagnosis raise awareness?

Yes. When her father-in-law, King Charles, shared his cancer diagnosis earlier this year, there was a significant increase in searches for the condition on the NHS website.

How many people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Britain?

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, around 393,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer.

According to figures from Cancer Research UK, half of people with cancer in Britain survive for at least ten years after diagnosis, but survival rates vary by type of cancer.

About 167,000 people die from cancer in Britain every year. In 2021, one in four deaths was caused by cancer, the charity said on its website.

How rare is it for someone to be diagnosed with cancer? 1940s?

Anyone can get cancer, but cancer at a young age is rare. Most cases of cancer occur in people aged 50 and over.

However, the number of people under 50 worldwide diagnosed with cancer has increased by almost 80% in three decades, according to the largest study of its kind.

The number of early-onset cancers worldwide has risen from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019, while cancer deaths among adults in their 40s, 30s or younger have increased by 27%.