Princess of Wales ‘in remission’ from cancer – but what does that mean?

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has announced that she is now in remission from cancer, following a year of health challenges for the royal family.

The princess’s cancer journey began with a planned abdominal surgery in January 2024, which initially led to her stepping back from royal duties. The subsequent cancer diagnosis, revealed in March, came as a shock to many. The princess announced that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment in September 2024.

Read more: Chemotherapy can be a challenging treatment – here's how to deal with some of the side-effects

Despite having exceptional resources and access to world-class medical care, Kate acknowledged the treatment as “incredibly challenging” and “such a shock”. Even with the best care and a supportive environment, chemotherapy is known for its potential side effects. Her candid admission demonstrates that even those in privileged positions are not immune to the physical and emotional toll of such treatments.

The princess’s latest statement, expressing relief at being in remission and focusing on recovery, reflects the complex emotions that often accompany this stage of the cancer journey. Her acknowledgement that it takes time to adjust to a “new normal” resonates with many cancer survivors navigating life after treatment. This period of adjustment can involve physical recovery, emotional processing and a reevaluation of life priorities.

What is remission?

The concept of remission in cancer treatment is crucial to understand. While it’s a relief to hear the word “remission”, it indicates a decrease or a disappearance of cancer signs and symptoms and does not necessarily equate to a cure.

Typically, the term remission is used by doctors when all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although microscopic cancer cells may still be present in the body. These can exist at levels undetectable by tests including scans.

This means that sometimes, even when we think people are in a remission, the cancer can come back and return even many years later. This is well recognised and both detection rates and treatments are improving, as is the actual cure rate in cancer.

Advancements in medical technology have introduced new methods for monitoring cancer remission. I’ve researched one such innovation: the analysis of cell-free DNA in the blood. This technique allows for the detection of cancer genetic material circulating in the bloodstream, providing a more sensitive method for monitoring cancer presence and potential recurrence.

Such advancements enable medical professionals to tailor treatment plans more precisely to individual patients, potentially improving outcomes, including the cure rate and quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

Hope and influence

The Princess of Wales’s decision to share her cancer experience is welcomed by many oncologists, including me. By openly discussing her diagnosis and treatment, she has brought significant attention to the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of cancer.

Read more: Silent cancers: here's what you need to know when there are no obvious symptoms

The Princess of Wales’s cancer journey extends beyond her personal experience. It has the potential to positively influence public health policy, research funding, and societal attitudes towards cancer.

This level of visibility from a prominent public figure helps to normalise conversations about cancer, potentially encouraging others to be more proactive about their health and to seek medical attention for concerning symptoms without delay or embarrassment.

While every cancer journey is unique, with its own challenges and triumphs, the princess’s openness about her experience may provide comfort and inspiration to countless others navigating their own health challenges. News of the princess’s remission, then, could inspire other patients undergoing treatment, showcasing the potential for positive outcomes.

The princess’s experience also sheds light on the holistic nature of cancer care. While medical treatment is crucial, the support of family, friends and the wider community plays a vital role in the recovery process. Her focus on family during treatment – and gradual return to public life – demonstrate the importance of balancing medical needs with emotional and social support.

As the Princess of Wales looks forward to a “fulfilling year ahead,” her story underscores the importance of hope, quality medical care and a strong support system when confronting a cancer diagnosis.

Overall, the princess’s journey from cancer diagnosis to remission is a testament to the advances in modern medicine and the power of personal resilience. Her experience, shared on a global stage, serves as a beacon of hope for many and a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by cancer patients worldwide.

As she continues her recovery and gradually returns to public life, her story will undoubtedly continue to inspire and educate, contributing to a broader understanding of cancer and its impact on patients and society as a whole.

Justin Stebbing does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.