Cancer charities have praised the ‘brave’ Princess of Wales for speaking out about her diagnosis

Cancer charities have praised the Princess of Wales for her ‘brave’ decision to speak out about her cancer diagnosis, as a way to encourage others to get their symptoms checked.

In a video message released on Friday, Catherine, 42, told how her condition was discovered after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January. In the weeks that followed her procedure, wild rumors flew about her absence and silence — but she said she and her husband, Prince William, had needed time to explain the situation to their three children, George, 10, Charlotte , eight, and Louis. , five.

“This obviously came as a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said.

“You can imagine that this took time. It took me time to recover from major surgery before I could start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that I will be fine.”

Catherine’s announcement prompted cancer charity Maggie’s to post tips on how to talk to young children about cancer.

“We are extremely sorry to hear the news from the Princess of Wales and our thoughts are with her,” said Dame Laura Lee, CEO of Maggie. “We also know how challenging and worrying a cancer diagnosis can be for the whole family, especially in young children, and our thoughts are with them all.”

Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said high-profile cancer cases such as the Princess’ could help others seek help early, when “treatment is likely to be successful”.

“Nearly one in two of us will develop cancer in our lifetime, but many more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “Cancer rumors often act as a trigger to encourage people to find out more or think about their own health. If people notice something that is not normal for them or does not go away, they should contact their doctor.”

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, around 393,000 people in Britain are diagnosed with cancer every year.

“We hear every day from people across the country who are going through the experience the Princess has described, and our thoughts are also with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and their children,” the charity said. “Many families will send solidarity to them.”

Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of the NHS, said: “We know how difficult the diagnosis and treatment journey can be for patients and their families. Speaking out is very courageous and can help others manage worrying symptoms.”