Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has announced that she is in remission from cancer. The milestone comes nearly a year after her diagnosis. In a heartfelt message on social media, she expressed gratitude for the support she received during her treatment and emphasised the importance of focusing on recovery. “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery,” she wrote in the post.
For many facing cancer, the journey to remission can be both challenging and hopeful. Understanding how to achieve remission is vital for patients and their families, involving early detection, effective treatment, emotional support, and a healthy lifestyle. Read ahead to learn more about remission.
I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 14, 2025
My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
We couldn’t have asked for more.… pic.twitter.com/f3sA7yZdOi
How To Go Into Remission?
Dr. Harshit Shah, an Associate Surgical Oncologist at Fortis Hospital in Kalyan, explains that cancer remission means a patient has finished their treatment successfully, and tests show no signs of cancer in their body. This can happen even if the patient is still receiving maintenance treatments, like oral chemotherapy or targeted therapy. However, going into remission requires a structured approach that includes various treatment options and lifestyle adjustments. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Consult Your Doctor: Work with your doctor’s team to develop a personalised treatment plan based on your specific type of cancer and its stage.
- Treatment Options: It includes chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to destroy them, surgery to remove tumours, immunotherapy to boost the immune system, and targeted therapy that focuses on specific cancer characteristics.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular tests and scans are important to see if cancer signs are decreasing. Remission means there are no detectable signs of cancer for at least a month.
- Maintenance Therapy: Some patients may continue treatments, like maintenance chemotherapy, even while in remission to help prevent the cancer from coming back.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help support overall health and recovery.
- Follow-Up Care: After reaching remission, regular check-ups are essential to watch for any signs that the cancer might return.
What Is The Difference Between Cancer Free and Cancer Remission?
Detailing the differences between both conditions, Dr Shah explained it in pointers.
- Cancer Remission refers to when there are no signs or symptoms of cancer in a patient. It can be partial, meaning some signs of cancer remain, or complete, where all signs have disappeared.
- Cancer-free means that no detectable cancer is left in the body, suggesting a lower chance of it coming back. However, even in complete remission, there may still be some cancer cells that are not detectable.
The doctor explains that symptomatic remission occurs in advanced cancer cases when treatment helps reduce symptoms, but it doesn’t mean all the cancer is gone. When someone is declared cancer-free after treatment, it means doctors believe the same cancer is unlikely to return. Usually, if a person has no signs of cancer for 10 years, they may be considered cancer-free, but this can vary based on the type and location of the cancer.
Conclusion
By understanding these steps, family and friends can support cancer patients on their journey to remission. Providing emotional support and encouragement is essential for a smoother recovery. However, it's important to consult a healthcare specialist before making any decisions about treatment or care options to ensure the best outcomes for the patient.