In March 2024, Princess Kate (Kate Middleton) shocked the world by announcing her cancer diagnosis and her decision to undergo "preventative chemotherapy." This type of chemotherapy, more commonly referred to as adjuvant therapy, is designed to prevent cancer from returning after surgery has removed a tumor.

What is Preventative Chemotherapy?

Adjuvant chemotherapy is used to treat microscopic cancer cells that may remain after surgery. It’s typically recommended for cancers like early-stage breast, colon, and ovarian cancers, where the risk of recurrence is significant. By administering chemotherapy after the removal of the tumor, doctors aim to reduce the chances of the cancer returning, targeting cells that may not be visible through imaging or testing.

How Does Chemotherapy Work?

Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to attack rapidly growing cancer cells. These chemicals can be administered orally or intravenously. Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also harm healthy cells in the body, leading to side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and neuropathy. Despite these challenges, chemotherapy remains one of the most effective treatments for many types of cancer.

Princess Kate’s Treatment and Early Detection

Princess Kate's diagnosis emphasizes the importance of early detection. Catching cancer in its early stages increases the likelihood of successful treatment and reduces the need for more aggressive therapies. This serves as a reminder for others to stay proactive about health screenings.

How 360/Health Helps You Stay Informed

At 360/Health, we empower you to stay informed about important healthcare topics like cancer treatment. Our platform offers resources to help you track symptoms, access personalized healthcare insights, and stay on top of your screenings. Join our waitlist at 360h.io to take control of your healthcare journey.

Read more in the original article from National Geographic here