The Princess of Wales cancer diagnosis: What we know

London, UK - Catherine, the Princess of Wales, revealed in a video message on Friday that she underwent abdominal surgery in January and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. The 42-year-old royal is currently undergoing "preventative chemotherapy" on the advice of her medical team.

Early Detection, Positive Outlook

While the specific type of cancer remains undisclosed, doctors believe it was caught in the early stages.  Dr. Jon LaPook, CBS News chief medical correspondent,  considers this a positive development, emphasizing the importance of early cancer detection.

Preventative Chemotherapy Explained

The exact meaning of "preventative" chemotherapy in Kate's case is unclear. Dr. Shivan Sivakumar, an oncology professor at the University of Birmingham, suggests it might be what's medically termed "adjuvant" chemotherapy, administered after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells. Dr. LaPook offers a similar explanation, describing it as treatment aimed at preventing the growth of microscopic cancer cells.

Potential Side Effects and Recovery

Preventative chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea, and hair loss, according to Dr. Monica Avila of Moffitt Cancer Center. However, medication can help manage these side effects, and most patients recover their strength within a few months. Experts consulted by news outlets offered a generally positive outlook on Princess Kate's treatment prospects.

Focus on Princess of Wales Treatment and Family Privacy

The Princess requested privacy from the public as she focuses on treatment and recovery. She also addressed the challenges of informing her three young children about her diagnosis. King Charles, Kate's father-in-law, recently announced his own cancer treatment for an unspecified type discovered during prostate-related treatment. According to Queen Camilla, King Charles is "doing extremely well." The King also expressed his pride in Kate's courage and revealed he has maintained close contact with her throughout this challenging time.