Kate Middleton announces the end of her chemotherapy. What will her medical care be like now?

in collaboration with

Ivan Pourmir (medical oncologist)

Kate Middleton once again chose the video format to give her news yesterday, September 9, 2024. As a reminder, after an operation last January, the Princess of Wales officially announced that she had cancer, in a video where she appeared alone, on a bench. This time, we can hear her message in voiceover, while we see her accompanied by Prince William and her children, on a walk in nature, as if to celebrate life.

An announcement awaited by the British people

In her message, Kate Middleton announced that she had completed chemotherapy – probably administered as a preventative measure – following the discovery of her cancer. “As summer draws to a close, I can’t tell you what a relief it is to finally be done with my chemotherapy treatment.” she said in the video posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“The last nine months have been incredibly difficult for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate through stormy waters and an unfamiliar route.”

What will Kate Middleton’s medical care be like now?

But what will happen next for the princess? How is post-chemotherapy care organized? To find out, Doctissimo contacted Dr. Ivan Pourmir, medical oncologist at the Georges-Pompidou hospital in Paris.

“This care depends on the cancer” the doctor immediately emphasizes. “Since we don’t know exactly what affected Kate Middleton, it’s difficult to answer precisely. Obviously, colorectal or gynecological cancer are possibilities and because of her age – 42 years old, editor’s note – we know that this type of cancer will behave differently and may be more aggressive. This therefore implies close monitoring, with regular medical consultations, blood tests to detect certain tumor markers, imaging tests… Another complementary treatment – ​​targeted therapy – may also be prescribed” explains the doctor.

Monitoring that is spaced out over time, as we move away from the initial surgery.

What about non-drug approaches?

In her message, Prince William’s wife says she wants to focus on what she can do now to “keep cancer at bay.” What can she do specifically? Is there a specific sport or diet she should follow?

According to Dr. Pourmir, science lacks data on these subjects to be able to make a clear statement.But generally speaking, cancer patients are advised to eat as best they can, focusing on proteins in order not to lose muscle mass” recalls the doctor. “IIt is also important to practice a adapted physical activityto stay in shape and also avoid muscle wasting. This can only help the patient to better cope with the disease, in the event of a recurrence” he concludes.

Slide: Misconceptions about cancer