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, spoke about how her condition was discovered after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. In the weeks following her procedure, wild rumors flew about her absence and silence – but she said she and her husband, Prince William, needed time to explain the situation to their three children, George, 10, Charlotte (8), and to explain Louis. , five.
“Obviously this came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage it privately for the sake of our young family,” she said.
“As you can imagine, it took time. It took me time to recover from major surgery to begin my treatment. But, most importantly, it took us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that was appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I was going to be OK.”
Catherine’s announcement prompted cancer charity Maggie’s to post tips on how to talk to young children about cancer.
“We are incredibly sorry to hear the Princess of Wales’s news and our thoughts are with her,” said Dame Laura Lee, Maggie’s chief executive. “We also know how challenging and worrying a cancer diagnosis can be for the whole family, especially with young children, and our thoughts are with them all.”
Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said high-profile cancer cases like the princess’ could help others seek help early, when “treatment is more likely to be successful”.
“Almost 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. “High-profile cancer cases often serve as an incentive to encourage people to find out more or think about their own health. If people see something that is not normal for them or does not go away, they should check with their GP.”
Around 393,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.
to newsletter promotion
“We hear from people across the country who go through the experience the Princess has described every day, 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.”
NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard said: “We know how difficult a diagnosis and treatment journey can be for patients and their families. Speaking out is really brave and can help others to check worrying symptoms.”
