Princess Kate is quietly recovering at her Norfolk country retreat Anmer Hall while undergoing grueling preventative chemotherapy treatment. The royal mum, who made her cancer diagnosis public last month, has taken time off work and says she is focusing on daily practices to heal her “mind, body, and spirit” – but what does that mean for her lifestyle?
We spoke to Professor Ramia Mokbel, a consultant dermatologist with a special interest in skin cancer and screening, and the founder of the London Skin and Mole Clinic at HCA Healthcare, who revealed that preventative chemotherapy is likely to cause “collateral damage” in the body. This makes it crucial to follow a healthy diet, enjoy a gentle exercise regime, and make small lifestyle changes to ensure the body can recover.
“Preventative chemotherapy, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy, is given after cancer removal surgery and when scans show no evidence of cancer has spread elsewhere. Its aim is to eradicate any remaining cancer cells that may be circulating in the bloodstream or have spread to other organs like the bone marrow, liver, and lungs. While this treatment targets hidden cells, it often causes collateral damage, leading to side effects such as hair loss, low white cell counts, reduced immunity to infections, and bowel inflammation.”
A healthy, balanced diet packed with plenty of fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and healthy unsaturated fats like omega 3 is extremely beneficial during chemotherapy. Princess Kate should be incorporating 10-12 organic vegetables/fruits per day, organic lean protein, electrolytes, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Regular exercise is also important for Princess Kate’s recovery. Gentle movement can help combat the negative effects of chemotherapy, with regular aerobic exercise improving overall well-being during treatment. Princess Kate, known for her sporty lifestyle, may need to adjust her workout routine to include more moderate activities recommended for women in their 40s.
Smaller lifestyle changes, such as using iced gloves and boots to reduce numbness in the fingers and feet, can also help Princess Kate during this difficult time. We wish her all the best during her ongoing recovery.