The Princess of Wales used the phrase when describing her method of treatment during Friday’s announcement.
Kate Middleton announced on Friday that she is currently undergoing treatment for cancer following abdominal surgery she underwent back in January.
In a video message posted to @KensingtonRoyal on Friday evening, the 42-year-old mother of three said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.
“The surgery was successful,” she added. “However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
Many outpourings of support and well wishes have flooded social media following Friday’s announcement, but some have expressed confusion around the term ‘preventative chemotherapy’.
Consultant oncologist Pat Price clarified the term during an interview with Tom Swarbrick on LBC on Friday evening.
Price, who is the chair of Radiotherapy UK, which is the only charity dedicated to improving radiotherapy treatment throughout the UK, explained: “When a cancer has been surgically removed and taken away, we sometimes give chemotherapy afterwards just in case, there’s any cells that were missed or escaped.
“That can take the form of either tablets or injections, usually for a limited amount of time, and then stopped,” she added.
The pioneering oncology leader went on to say: “Tablets are given, say 14 days out of the month.
“Some injections are given once every three weeks, so we’re not to know what it is but she’ll be probably undergoing treatment for several months now, intermittently, as an outpatient.
“And this is the time, she needs some time and space to look after her health as well.”
During the video, Middleton stressed that she was well and hopeful of making a “full recovery” while also requesting that her and the family’s privacy is respected at this difficult time.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both,” the Princess continued.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.”
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