Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis could ‘inspire change’ in women’s health

Figures from NHS England show that in the 24 hours after the princess revealed she was undergoing treatment last week, there were 2,840 visits to the page on cancer – nearly five times as many as over the same period the previous week.

Now, experts have indicated that Kate’s diagnosis could increase global awareness and advance innovation in women’s health.

“Kate’s announcement could inspire and accelerate innovation in women’s health, the way Angelina Jolie’s double mastectomy procedure did after she learnt that she carried the BRCA gene,” Dr Olubukola Ayodele, consultant medical oncologist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, told Femtech World.

Cancer diagnosis in public figures, Ayodele said, has always been a “catalyst” for spreading awareness.

“CRUK and Macmillan have seen a spike in people visiting their websites to read about signs and symptoms of cancer. Hopefully, [Kate’s diagnosis] would encourage women to come forward sooner if things are not feeling right.

“Unfortunately, incidental diagnosis of cancer is quite common, especially after a routine surgical procedure and only after examination of the surgical specimen, that cancer is found,” she added.

“The incidence of cancer in young women under the age of 50 is on the increase and there are twice as many cases in females compared to males in this age group.

“It is imperative that we focus on the message that young people need to be aware that they are also at risk. Cancer is no longer an older person disease.”

Erin Medlin, gynaecologic oncologist at Colorado Permanente Medical Group, said: “Celebrities and public figures do play a role in destigmatising women’s health issues as well as other health issues. We have seen similar trends before when celebrities have disclosed cancer diagnoses or treatments, as well as other illnesses.

“When celebrities disclose an illness, it can help others seek more information and raise awareness. It may bring forward those who have been suffering to seek more information or share their stories.”

Celebrities, Medlin said, could also raise awareness in policy makers, legislators and industry, bringing funding to research campaigns through public awareness.

However, she said a celebrity’s story does not translate to an individual patient’s or person’s story.

“There were over 200,000 visits to our cancer information web pages on the day of the Princess’s diagnosis. This was a 15 per cent increase compared to the day before the announcement.

“These figures show how high-profile cancer cases can act as a prompt to encourage people to find out more or think about their own health.”

Noting that visits to Macmillan Cancer Support’s online information and support pages were at the highest weekend levels since the first Covid lockdown following the Princess of Wales’ cancer message, Gemma Peters, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said the “Kate Middleton effect” could have a real-world impact.

“We hear from people every day who are worried about how cancer will affect their loved ones, and how best to support each other through it. In sharing her news the Princess of Wales has raised awareness of these worries and will be helping to encourage others who have concerns, to seek support.”