• Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced she has completed her chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
• The public learned in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
• Though she said her road to recovery will be long, she plans to gradually return to public life in the coming months.

Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton) has announced that she has completed her course of chemotherapy.

In a recorded press release on Monday afternoon, she expressed relief and a new appreciation of life.

What we know about Kate Middleton’s cancer journey so far

Following abdominal surgery in 2024, surgeons removed some tissue from Catherine’s abdomen, which was later tested and found to be malignant.

“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she said in the recent video.

The Palace has not announced what form of cancer Catherine is living with, but she began chemotherapy in late February.

Chemotherapy can cause challenging side effects

Healthline contacted Dr. Susanna Greer, chief scientific officer of the V Foundation, to ask about the general side effects of chemotherapy. She explained that chemotherapy is a “powerful tool” and that, while it can have “challenging side effects, treatments and supportive care have come a long way. Doctors can often manage or minimize many of the side effects.”

“Every patient’s experience with chemotherapy is unique,” she said, but these are some of the most common side effects:

• fatigue
• hair loss
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• mouth sores
• diarrhea or constipation
• increased risk of infections

Greer also told Healthline that “chemotherapy can cause cognitive changes. You may have heard of ‘chemo brain;’ some chemo patients describe experiencing memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and a feeling of mental fogginess during or after chemotherapy.”

“Although I have finished chemotherapy,” Catherine said in her recent video, “my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

She also said she is “looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months ” when she can.

How cancer screenings and early diagnosis can improve outcomes

“Regular screenings and paying attention to your body’s signals can lead to early diagnosis, which often means more treatment options and better outcomes,” Greer said. “Many cancers, when caught early, are highly treatable, and survival rates have improved significantly over the years.”

While the specific type of cancer Catherine has is still not known to the public, Greer explained that, for most abdominal cancers, “routine screening is only recommended for high-risk individuals. For colorectal cancer, routine screening for average-risk individuals is crucial for early detection.”

For colorectal cancer, she toldHealthlinethat “screening typically starts at age 45 for individuals at average risk. Screening includes colonoscopy (typical recommendation is every 10 years), fecal occult blood test (annually), or sigmoidoscopy (every 5-10 years).”

Individuals with a family history of the disease or other risk factors may start screening earlier.

Healthline also contacted Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA.

He explained that the younger screening age for colorectal cancer is due to “the unexplained, rapid increase among young patients.”

Dr. Wael Harb, a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, CA, outlined the following other cancers of the abdomen and their screening recommendations:

• Pancreatic cancer: No routine screening is recommended for the general population. However, those at high risk, for instance those with a family history or genetic predispositions, may undergo imaging tests.
• Liver cancer: Individuals with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis are recommended for regular screening.
• Ovarian cancer: Screening is not routinely recommended for women at average risk, unless they have certain genetic mutations or a family history.
• Gastric (stomach) cancer: Routine screening is not typically recommended in the United States, other than in high-risk populations.
• Cervical cancer: Screening typically starts at age 21 with a Pap test every 3 years. From age 30–65, a combination of Pap test and HPV testing is recommended every 5 years.

Early cancer warning signs

Although they vary depending on the type and location of cancer, Warb said the following symptoms may be early warning signs:

• Unexplained weight loss: Especially if it’s significant — 10 pounds or more — and not linked to changes in diet or exercise.
• Persistent pain or discomfort: Particularly in the abdomen or back, which can be related to cancers affecting organs in these areas.
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits: Such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency and frequency.
• Unexplained bleeding: Blood in the stool or urine could indicate gastrointestinal or urinary tract cancers.
• Lumps or swelling: Any new or growing lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Fatigue: Severe and persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can indicate liver or pancreatic cancer.

“Any persistent unexpected symptoms should be worked up and discussed with your doctor,” added Bilchik.

What to do if you think you may have cancer

“If you are worried you might have cancer, first know it is completely natural to feel anxious, but the most important thing is not to let fear stop you from acting. The first step is to talk to your healthcare provider.”

Based on your symptoms, they can advise you on whether further testing is needed. Often, she told us, worrying symptoms are caused by something less serious.

“Starting with a calm and honest conversation with your doctor can provide reassurance and help you figure out the next steps,” Greer continued. “Taking action, even if it feels scary, is the best way to regain control and make sure any potential issues are caught early, when they are most treatable.”

“It’s important to share the message that many people not only survive cancer but thrive after it,” Greer added.