After cancer diagnosis

How Princess Kate’s message can save lives

Princess Kate made her cancer diagnosis public on Friday.

(Bild: APA/AFP/POOL/Danny Lawson)

Following the disclosure of Princess Kate's (42) cancer diagnosis, a British cancer support organization has registered a significant increase in interest in its online services. This was reported by the British news agency PA on Monday evening, citing the organization Macmillan Cancer Support.

According to the report, in the two days following the publication of Kate's video message, views increased by ten percent compared to the same period last year to almost 50,000 hits per day.

Kate's message could save lives
The organization attributes this to a positive effect from Kate. "By sharing her news, the Princess of Wales has raised public awareness of these concerns and will help encourage others who are worried to visit their GP and seek support," said Macmillan chief executive Gemma Peters.

British oncologist and NHS cancer expert Peter Johnson also emphasizes the positive effects of Kate's openness.

"The Princess of Wales' courage to talk about her diagnosis will help others to do the same. Thanks to this, we have seen a surge in visitors to our website, which provides vital information about signs and symptoms," Johnson told the Mirror newspaper. "Talking about cancer saves lives by encouraging people to get checked earlier if they notice something is wrong."

The princess encourages other cancer patients
Kate told the public in a very personal video message on Friday that she had been diagnosed with cancer following major abdominal surgery in January. She has since started preventative chemotherapy.

Kate asked that her privacy and that of her family be respected. At the same time, she encouraged other cancer patients not to lose hope. "To everyone who is facing this disease, in whatever form, please don't lose faith or hope. You are not alone," she said.