Princess Catherine’s type of cancer is unknown, but oncologists say that discovering cancer during another procedure, such as “major abdominal surgery,” is a common occurrence.
Dr. Elena Ratner, a gynecologic oncologist at Yale Cancer Center, mentioned that unexpected cancer diagnoses are unfortunately frequent, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and cancers of the uterine lining.
She explained how women undergoing surgery for endometriosis may later find out that what was assumed to be benign tissue actually contains cancer cells.
Princess Catherine stated that she is undergoing “a course of preventive chemotherapy,” which is commonly known as adjuvant chemotherapy.
Dr. Eric Winer, director of the Yale Cancer Center, explained how adjuvant chemotherapy aims to prevent cancer recurrence.
Dr. Michael Birrer emphasized the importance of chemotherapy in treating microscopic cancer cells that may remain after surgery.
Dr. Ratner related to Catherine’s concern for her family, as many women faced with a cancer diagnosis worry about their loved ones.
Dr. Ratner shared how women often focus on their children’s well-being when diagnosed with cancer, rather than their own concerns.
