The Kate Middleton effect: Visits to cancer advice websites and NHS advice pages increase fivefold in wake of Princess of Wales’ shock diagnosis

The Princess of Wales revealing her cancer diagnosis has sparked many questions on NHS and charity websites.

Visits to the cancer page of the NHS website increased almost fivefold following the announcement, while Cancer Research UK and Macmillan also reported a rise in clicks.

In an emotional video published on Friday evening, the princess told how she was diagnosed with cancer last month after spending a fortnight in the private clinic in London for abdominal surgery in January.

By following in the King’s footsteps, experts hope Kate’s message of hope will encourage more people with illness to seek support.

Figures show that in the 24 hours after it was revealed she was undergoing treatment, there were 2,840 visits to the NHS page, a 373 per cent increase on the same period the week before.

About 4,172 people – the equivalent of one person every three seconds – looked at the cancer symptoms page in the three hours after her recorded television message.

The page was visited 1,922 times a week earlier in the same period.

Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK had more than 200,000 visitors to its support pages and Macmillan almost 100,000 by the end of Sunday – the highest weekend figures since the first national Covid in March 2020.

In her televised speech, Kate spoke about taking the time to tell their children to ‘reassure them that I am fine’.

Gemma Peters, CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support, said many cancer patients would relate to her words.

She said: ‘We hear every day from people concerned about the impact of cancer on their loved ones, and how they can best support each other.

‘By sharing her news, The Princess of Wales has raised awareness of these concerns and will help encourage others who are concerned to visit their GP and seek support.’

She added: “Many will be dealing with the Prince and Princess of Wales at this time.

‘Some of the first thoughts parents have after being diagnosed with cancer are how it might affect their children, and whether talking to them about it will worry them. But it is important to give them the opportunity to talk openly about their fears.’

Similarly, Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Research UK, said online traffic increased by more than 15 percent on Friday.

She said: ‘These figures show how high-profile cancer cases can 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. By detecting cancer at an early stage, the treatment has a greater chance of success.’

Changes in normal body processes or unusual, unexplained symptoms can sometimes be an early sign of cancer.

Symptoms that should be checked by a doctor include a lump that appears suddenly, unexplained bleeding, and changes in bowel habits.

In many cases the symptoms are caused by another condition, but if it is cancer, early diagnosis means it is easier to treat.

Simple lifestyle changes – such as eating healthy, exercising regularly and not smoking – can also significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.

NHS England said figures peaked immediately after the announcement, with 1,678 visits to its symptoms page, including information on types of illness, noticing symptoms and early diagnosis between 6pm and 7pm last Friday.

Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: ‘Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be very intimidating – it turns your life upside down and talking about it can be very difficult for people – The Princess of Wales speaking courageously about her diagnosis will help others do the same.

‘Thanks to this we have seen a spike in the number of people visiting our website for vital information about signs and symptoms. There is no doubt that talking about cancer saves lives if it encourages people to come forward sooner if something is wrong.”

Kate’s battle with cancer in her own words: Full emotional video statement from the Princess of Wales

I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I was recovering from surgery.

It’s been an incredibly tough few months for our whole family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

In January I had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time my condition was deemed to be non-cancerous. The operation was successful. However, tests after the surgery revealed that cancer was present. My medical team therefore recommended that I undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

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.

As you can imagine, this has taken time. It took me time to recover from major surgery before I could start my treatment. But the most important thing is that it took us time to explain everything

George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that I will be fine.

As I told them; 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.

Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. As does the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.

We hope you understand that we as a family now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

At this time I also think of all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. To anyone facing this disease in any form, please do not lose faith and hope. You are not alone.