The Princess of Wales‘ treatment for cancer was discussed on Good Morning Britain today (March 25), with resident GP Dr Hilary Jones under fire from viewers watching at home.
A video of Kate was shared on Friday (March 22), in which she shared her cancer diagnosis and revealed that she’s having preventive chemotherapy treatment.
Royal fans have been curious over what the treatment actually is, and what it means. So on GMB today, Dr Hilary tried to explain.
Dr Hilary Jones on treatment Princess of Wales is having amid cancer diagnosis
Speaking to host Richard Madeley, Dr Hilary said: “So we often use adjuvant chemotherapy when someone has already had surgery or before they’ve had surgery. For example, if someone has breast cancer, you might use radiotherapy or chemotherapy prior to the surgery.
“This is to mop up any of the cells that have gone beyond where the solid tumour is found to be.”
He then added: “Equally with abdominal surgery, it’s not at all uncommon to take out an organ, or part of an organ, thinking it’s benign and then always as a routine that tissue will be sent off for examination under the microscope and a few cancerous cells are found. It’s usually nothing to do with the original symptoms.
“So if you find something like that then it obviously hasn’t reached the lymph nodes. Otherwise there would be secondary surgery carried out. It’s still within the organ that’s been removed.
“But just in case a cell or two cells or a few cells have escaped into the bloodstream or lymphatic system during the surgery, you would think, let’s use chemotherapy as an insurance policy to make sure those cells have been mopped up. It’s a just-in-case scenario.”
Dr Hilary added of the chemo: “It’s almost like an insurance policy. We use it commonly. As I said, it’s not at all uncommon to take out something that’s diseased and find there are a few cells of cancer there. That’s usually not going to kill the patient. That’s usually something that is eminently treatable with chemo for three to six months.
“It would be different drugs depending on what you’re treating and what stage it’s at. But it’s not at all uncommon.”
Side effects explained
“Presumably preventive chemotherapy is less intrusive? With fewer side effects?” Richard asked.
It’s almost certainly going to be cured.
“The dose would be an important factor,” Dr Hilary explained. “But usually in a young person, where you’re talking about a few cells, you’re talking about less invasive side effects.
“The side effects would possibly still include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, vulnerability to infections. But that would be closely monitored. She’s in really good hands. It’s almost certainly going to be cured.”
‘It’s not at all uncommon to take out something which is diseased and find that there is a few cells of cancer there. That’s usually not going to kill the patient’
The Princess of Wales is receiving preventive chemotherapy and @DrHilaryJones explains what this is. pic.twitter.com/rWtkIlNH7o
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 25, 2024
Viewers react
GMB viewers watching at home didn’t really appreciate Dr Hilary’s insight and the continued speculation around the Princess of Wales’ health.
“Christ leave the lady alone,” pleaded one viewer. Another then added: “The last thing she needs is this [bleep] getting involved.” A third commented: “Leave her alone!!”
Another blasted: “‘A few cells.’ I’m assuming he has direct communication with the Princess of Wales’ medical team and histology team to make this assumption? Be quiet and mind your own business.”
Read more: Dame Deborah James’ family send message to Princess of Wales
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