Last week the Princess of Wales announced to the public that following her abdominal surgery in January, she will be undergoing a course of ‘preventive chemotherapy’. The royal explained further tests after her surgery found the presence of cancerous cells, and had been recommended chemotherapy as a course of treatment. According to the
BBC , the princess began the course of chemotherapy in late February.
Kensington Palace has not said what type of
cancer was found. A spokesperson said: "We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The princess has a right to medical privacy as we all do." So what is preventive chemotherapy? Preventive chemotherapy The treatment is commonly known as adjuvant chemotherapy, where a patient undergoes the course of drugs that kill off cancer cells, and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back after radiotherapy or surgery. The therapy also aims to reduce the risk of the original cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis). Chemotherapy can be administered in a variety of ways, and a doctor will recommend which is the best type for each case. The most common types, according to the NHS are: chemotherapy given into a vein (intravenous chemotherapy) – this is usually done in hospital and involves medicine being given through a tube in a vein in your hand, arm or chest chemotherapy tablets (oral chemotherapy) – this usually involves taking a course of medicine at home, with regular check-ups in hospital. The course of treatment is usually determined by the type and stage of the cancer, and typically can last between three to six months. However, courses of adjuvant chemotherapy can be given over a period of several years . Professor Andrew Beggs, a consultant colorectal surgeon, told the BBC : "Preventive chemotherapy after surgery is given to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back in the future." Side effects of chemotherapy No course of chemotherapy is without its side effects, much like any medication for ailments or diseases. Many of them can be treated or prevented, and most will pass once treatments stop. There’s also no indication which side effects will affect you. These are a list of the most common side effects experienced by those receiving chemotherapy: Tiredness or fatigue Nausea Hair loss Infections Anaemia Bruising and bleeding Sore mouth (mucositis) Loss of appetite Skin and nail changes Memory and concentration problems Sleep issues such as insomnia Fertility issues Diarrhoea and constipation