Younger patients can tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy says professor as Kate Middleton, 42, announces she has cancer

Younger patients can tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy, experts say.

Kate Middleton announced yesterday that she is undergoing a preventative course of chemotherapy, after an operation in January that revealed the presence of cancer cells.

The goal is for this process, also called adjuvant chemotherapy, to ensure that cancer does not return once the main tumor has been removed from the body.

Professor Andrew Beggs, a cancer specialist at the University of Birmingham, described the treatment as ‘a bit like mopping a floor with bleach after you’ve spilled something on it; chemotherapy kills any spilled cells’.

But he added some hope that “young people also tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy better and so could be given stronger regimens that are likely to kill the remaining cells.”

The Princess of Wales said her family (pictured together on December 25) ‘need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment’

Around 375,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, with 167,000 patients dying from the disease each year.

Survival rates vary considerably by type of cancer, but in general about 50 percent of cancer patients will be alive ten years after their diagnosis.

Lawrence Young, professor of molecular oncology at the University of Warwick, has said that catching the disease when you are young, like Kate, 42, means your chance of survival is higher.

He added that because Kate’s cancer was discovered accidentally while she was undergoing surgery for another condition, it was likely to be in its early stages.

“(The discovery) is often associated with the tumor being detected at an early stage, when subsequent chemotherapy is much more effective,” he said.

Cancer survival rates have doubled over the past fifty years, according to data published by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

Dr. However, Shivan Sivakumar, associate professor of oncology at the University of Birmingham, has warned about the increase in the number of people under 50 being diagnosed with the disease.

The royal family also announced in February that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer

Kensington Palace has said it will not share details about what type of cancer the princess has, or what stage of cancer it is in, and has asked people not to speculate.

‘There is currently an epidemic of young people (under 50s) getting cancer. The cause of this is unknown, but we are seeing more and more patients with abdominal cancer.’

Kensington Palace has said it will not share details about what type of cancer the princess has, or what stage of cancer it is, and has asked people not to speculate.

It is understood the King – who was himself diagnosed with cancer earlier this year – and the Queen have both been informed of the news.

Potential symptoms of cancer are specific to the type of disease, and experts say the most important thing is to have any new or changed aspect of your body examined by a doctor.

Some of the most common symptoms include a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, a change in bowel habits or bloating over the same period of time, a new lump on the body, unexplained bleeding or weight loss, yellowing of the skin, and a constant tired feeling. and unwell.

Experts and charities have praised her decision to speak out, saying it will encourage others to seek help for their own potential cancer symptoms.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “On behalf of the NHS, I am truly sorry to hear this shocking news.

‘Our thoughts are with the Princess of Wales and the Royal Family, especially while her treatment continues.

‘We know how difficult a diagnosis and treatment process can be for patients and their families.

‘Speaking out about it is very brave and can help others manage worrying signs and symptoms.

‘If you’re worried about cancer, you can find more information on the NHS website.’

Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK CEO Michelle Mitchell said: “On behalf of everyone at Cancer Research UK, I wish Her Royal Highness a full, speedy recovery and a return to good health.

‘At this difficult time, it is important that the Princess is given the time and space to focus on her treatment and that we respect the family’s privacy.

‘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.

‘Thanks to research there is hope: the survival rate from cancer has doubled in the past fifty years.’

She added: ‘Cancer rumors often act as a stimulus 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 GP.

‘It probably won’t be cancer. But if it is, identifying it at an early stage means that the treatment is likely to be successful.’