UK's Princess Kate says she had to 'put on brave face' in cancer journey
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex. July 2, 2025. Stefan Rousseau/Pool via REUTERS
LONDON - Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales, said on Wednesday that she had to put on a "brave face" throughout and following her cancer treatment last year, describing the ordeal as a life-changing experience.
Kate, 43, announced in March last year that she would undergo a course of chemotherapy after tests taken following major abdominal surgery revealed that an unspecified form of cancer had been present.
She completed the course of treatment in September, and said earlier this year she was in remission.
"You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment, treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal', but actually the phase afterwards is really... difficult," Kate said during a visit to a hospital in Essex, southeast England.
Speaking to staff, patients and volunteers at the hospital, the princess emphasised the importance of support after treatment, noting that while patients may no longer be under clinical care, they often still struggle to "function normally at home" as they once did.
Kate described the cancer diagnosis and treatment as "life-changing" for both patients and their loved ones, according to PA Media, adding: "It's a rollercoaster, it's not one smooth plain".
The princess has been gradually resuming her public royal role but missed the Royal Ascot horse racing event last month, with a royal source citing her need for balance following her cancer treatment. REUTERS
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Singapore and Cambodia to expand collaboration in renewable energy, carbon markets and agri-trade
Singapore From camping to mentorship, Singapore scouts mark 115th anniversary of the youth movement
Singapore Ong Beng Seng's court hearing rescheduled one day before he was expected to plead guilty
Singapore ByteDance food poisoning: Catering firm convicted after cockroach infestation found on premises
Singapore The romance continues: Former 'Singapore girl', 77, returns to Osaka Expo after 55 years
Singapore Teen, 17, to be charged with allegedly trespassing on MRT tracks
Singapore Granddaughter of Hin Leong founder O.K. Lim fails to keep 3 insurance policies from creditors' reach
Singapore Man on trial for raping drunken woman after offering to drive her and her friend home
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Straits Times
More than medicine: The power of patient support groups
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Support groups offer connection, education and a sense of community for patients and caregivers navigating their health journeys. SINGAPORE – When a person is diagnosed with a lesser-known or life-altering condition, the medical treatment plan often comes before the emotional or social support. That is where patient support groups step in. From pulmonary hypertension to vitiligo to life after breast cancer, these patient support groups in Singapore are becoming lifelines. They offer connection, education and a sense of community for patients and caregivers navigating their health journeys. Vitiligo: A space to share and feel seen When Ms Madhumita Mahyandran was diagnosed with vitiligo in February, she was distraught. She held back her tears in front of the doctor, but after the appointment, she went to Novena Church, broke down and asked: 'Why me?' Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks skin pigment cells, turning a person's skin white due to the loss of pigment or melanin. 'I had so many questions running through my mind. Why did this happen to me when no one in my family has vitiligo? Will it affect my career? Can I still continue working?' says the 26-year-old nurse, who is single. After the diagnosis, she withdrew from others, often cancelling meet-ups with friends and skipping family gatherings. 'I wasn't prepared to explain or show my changing skin to others, and I felt vulnerable. Every time I looked in the mirror, I would quietly cry because it was hard to accept what I was seeing,' says Ms Madhumita. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25% on Japan and Malaysia, 40% on Laos: Trump's tariff letters to Asia add pressure for deals by Aug 1 Singapore Grab to trial driverless shuttle for staff between Media Circle office and one-north MRT station Singapore Ong Beng Seng's new pre-trial conference date set for July 23 Multimedia 'I suspect he's cheating': She finds proof when spouses stray Singapore MRT services resume on 5-station stretch of North-South Line after track fault Asia Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised World Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Singapore Fastest charger to be added to Singapore's EV charging network by Q4 in 2025 Ms Malini Thyagesan, 47, understands these feelings all too well. Ms Madhumita Mahyandran (left) and Ms Malini Thyagesan have vitiligo. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI She has been living with the condition since 1990 and, along the way, met many others who felt alone, confused or unsure about how to deal with it. Some were strangers who would approach her and ask how she coped, while others were parents asking for advice about their child. 'People were craving connection and, simply by sharing my own journey, I could make a difference. It made me realise people need a space to talk, share and feel seen,' says the senior lecturer at Republic Polytechnic's School of Applied Science. So, earlier in 2025, she decided to start a support group for those with vitiligo. While there are no figures on the number of people with vitiligo in Singapore, the National Skin Centre estimates 1 per cent of around 50,000 new patients seen at the centre yearly have been diagnosed with the condition. The Singapore Vitiligo Support Group, launched in June, has 15 members. It is planning to hold its first support group session and member bonding event later in July. 'We are planning workshops focused on sharing, including one on make-up tips specifically for people with vitiligo. As the group grows, we want to set up more regular meet-ups and online platforms so we can support one another more consistently,' says Ms Malini, a founding member of the group. The group plans to work with doctors and psychologists to provide holistic support that addresses both the emotional and medical aspects of living with vitiligo. Ms Malini also hopes that the team can partner hospitals and clinics to reach more individuals who could benefit from the group. (From left) Ms Malini Thyagesan started the Singapore Vitiligo Support Group in June. Ms Madhumita Mahyandran was introduced to the group by her dermatologist, Dr Goh Boon Kee. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI For now, most people learn about the group through word of mouth and social media. Ms Madhumita learnt about it from the consultant dermatologist she sees at Skin Physicians, Dr Goh Boon Kee. 'I didn't want to face this journey alone. Knowing that there were people who understood what living with vitiligo feels like gave me hope and comfort,' says Ms Madhumita. Dr Goh says many people with vitiligo feel embarrassed about their condition. 'For example, if it affects the hands, a simple handshake can be a social embarrassment. Some feel that they receive curious looks from passers-by in public, or are questioned or taunted by friends in school.' He adds: 'In certain ethnic groups, like Indians, having these white patches is a social taboo; an affected individual might have difficulty finding a spouse. As a result, patients with vitiligo often feel depressed and anxious, and may have low self-esteem.' Such a support group, Dr Goh notes, allows affected individuals to connect with others who could empathise with what they are going through. 'This emotional validation provides a strong sense of belonging which is not found in a doctor-patient relationship,' he says. Info: People with vitiligo who are interested in joining the support group can go to for more information. Pulmonary hypertension: Support group filled a gap that medicine could not In 2006, Madam Nuurashikin Ahmad underwent heart surgery to repair a hole in her heart and expected to make a full recovery. But the following year, at 21, she was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. The condition refers to high blood pressure in the lungs. It can strain the heart, leading to various complications, including shortness of breath, dizziness and heart failure. 'At that time, I couldn't make sense of my emotions as I did not display any symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. I considered myself healthy since I wasn't experiencing breathlessness or fatigue,' says the 39-year-old nurse, who is married and has a son aged three. Madam Nuurashikin Ahmad was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at the age of 21. She is pictured with her three-year-old son, Adzriel Hunaifah, and her husband Abdul Hafiz Azman. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG When she became pregnant in 2021, a nurse at the National Heart Centre Singapore referred her to a support group: Pulmonary Hypertension Singapore (PHSG), where she could learn more about her condition and connect with other patients. Pregnancy is considered high-risk for women with the disease due to the extra strain on the heart and lungs. But beyond the medical risks, Madam Nuurashikin struggled with feeling emotionally unsupported. 'The doctors focused on treating the disease and were doing their best, but there was not much space for what I was feeling: the fear, grief and isolation. No one really asked how I was coping, only how I was breathing. The support group filled a gap that medicine could not,' she says. Through the group, she received emotional support, practical advice and opportunities to connect with others through educational talks and social activities. Her husband, Mr Abdul Hafiz Azman, a 35-year-old managing agent in the real estate industry, also joined the group to better understand how to support her. The PHSG started as an informal group in 2004, but was officially registered as a non-profit organisation in 2015. It estimates that around 300 or more people have the condition in Singapore. The group currently has about 30 active member patients and caregivers. Dr Melissa Chan, the group's vice-chairperson and a physiotherapist, says most early members were women in their 40s and 50s. 'Now, we're seeing younger patients in their 20s and 30s. There's also a stronger sense of community now, with members more openly supporting one another,' she says. (From left) Madam Nuurashikin Ahmad; Dr Melissa Chan, vice-chairperson of Pulmonary Hypertension Singapore; and Associate Professor James Yip, executive director of National University Heart Centre. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Associate Professor James Yip, executive director of the National University Heart Centre, says patients with pulmonary hypertension experience physical and mental stress comparable with those with major illnesses such as breast cancer and metastatic prostate cancer. The significantly reduced quality of life affects their ability to carry out even simple daily activities. 'Twenty years ago, when I started in this field, information was sparse and treatment options were limited. Drugs were largely unavailable and not subsidised. Some patients resorted to going overseas to buy medications like generics,' says Prof Yip. Generics refers to generic drugs, medications that are chemically identical to brand-name drugs but are usually much cheaper. The group stays in touch with members via WhatsApp and Facebook, posting updates, event invitations and helpful resources. Members can also ask questions and seek recommendations for items such as portable oxygen concentrators. The group's educational sessions are a key attraction, offering guidance on easing breathlessness and sharing coping strategies for both patients and caregivers. Patients, caregivers and volunteers of Pulmonary Hypertension Singapore gathering on May 3 to mark World Pulmonary Hypertension Day. PHOTO: PHSG PHSG organises at least two events a year: one around May 5 for World Pulmonary Hypertension Day, and another in November for Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month. As part of the latter, it also runs the Blue Lip Campaign, which highlights the symptom of blue lips caused by low oxygen levels. For Madam Nuurashikin, the support group has been a lifeline. 'It offers connection, understanding and hope. Whether you speak or just listen, being with people who 'get it' can make all the difference. Sometimes, simply hearing 'me too' can be the most powerful form of support,' she says. Info: Individuals with pulmonary hypertension and their caregivers who are interested in joining PHSG can e-mail admin@ Breast cancer: Building a meaningful life beyond cancer While advances in medical treatment have helped many women recover from breast cancer, mental and emotional healing after treatment often remains overlooked, says Dr Karmen Wong, medical director and specialist in medical oncology at Icon Cancer Centre at Gleneagles Hospital. This was a gap Dr Wong, who has been treating breast cancer patients for more than 30 years, could not ignore. Having walked with thousands of women through some of the darkest moments of their lives, she believed that surviving cancer should mean more than simply living longer. It should also mean living well. 'We've made great progress in breast cancer treatment, with better surgery, medicine, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, more women are physically well after their diagnosis,' says Dr Wong. 'But what about their mental well-being? A healthy mind helps us physically and emotionally.' In May 2021, Dr Wong started After Breast Cancer (ABC) Celebrate Life!, an emotional well-being programme with her former patient Ms Cally Koh, 60, and several others. The aim was to support breast cancer patients and survivors in rebuilding their emotional resilience and reclaiming joy in life after treatment. Dr Karmen Wong (centre), medical director and specialist in medical oncology at Icon Cancer Centre at Gleneagles Hospital, started the After Breast Cancer Celebrate Life! programme with several people. They include Ms Cally Koh (left), her former patient who has recovered. Ms Koh introduced the programme to Ms Gan Lay Leng (right), who has recovered from breast cancer. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Developed with input from doctors, psychologists and breast cancer survivors, the four-session programme covers topics such as processing grief, restoring self-esteem and building meaningful routines for life beyond cancer. For instance, its lead facilitator, psychologist Wendy Chua, holds focus group sessions with the women and introduces processes to help them open up and tell their stories, as well as acknowledge and reframe negative thoughts. The Zoom sessions are facilitated by breast cancer survivors and have helped more than 190 women in six runs since the programme was launched in May 2021. The programme costs $280 and is fully refundable for those who attend all sessions. As a cancer support ambassador at Icon Cancer Centre, Ms Koh, a retiree who used to work in talent acquisition in the oil and gas industry, regularly visits Dr Wong's clinic to speak with patients undergoing chemotherapy. Drawing from her experience, she offers practical guidance, such as how to prepare for chemotherapy, where to get wigs and bras, and what to expect during surgery. She also helps match women with others who have gone through similar procedures or diagnoses, providing tailored peer support. Toward the end of their chemotherapy journey, she introduces them to the programme as a next step in their recovery. Ms Cally Koh introduced the After Breast Cancer Celebrate Life! programme to Ms Gan Lay Leng, who joined it in 2022. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG One of them was Ms Gan Lay Leng, a 59-year-old teacher, who found out she had triple negative breast cancer in July 2020. She found the programme instrumental in processing the emotional aftermath of her diagnosis and learning to move forward. 'I didn't realise the intensity of my emotional state until the start of the first session, when I was asked how I was feeling. When I opened my mouth and wanted to say 'good', my voice cracked and tears started to roll down my face,' says Ms Gan, who is single and has recovered. The ABC team also actively engages the wider medical community. Ms Koh, for example, has introduced the programme to over 30 healthcare professionals, including oncologists, radiologists, breast and plastic surgeons. She also works with organisations such as the Breast Cancer Foundation and Singapore Cancer Society to reach more women who could benefit. Says Dr Wong: 'Participants have shared how this journey has transformed them. They have learnt to embrace a new life, to love themselves and to let go of past burdens.'
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
How healthy is chicken breast?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox On a per-calorie basis, there are not many whole foods richer in protein than chicken breast. NEW YORK – All cuts of chicken are great for you, but on a number of metrics, the humble breast takes top prize. Along with containing nutrients that are involved in repairing the body's tissues, building immunity and boosting energy, chicken breast is lower in saturated fat than thighs, legs and wings, making it a smart choice for people concerned about their heart health. Here are a few ways that chicken breast benefits your body. It is one of the best food sources of protein On a per-calorie basis, there are not many whole foods richer in protein than chicken breast. 'You'd have to eat protein powder to get more protein,' said Dr Dave Bridges, a biochemist and associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Michigan. There are no carbohydrates and little fat in chicken breast, especially if you remove the skin, said Dr Heidi Silver, director of the Diet, Body Composition and Metabolism Core at Vanderbilt University. One 99g serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast contains about 160 calories and 32g of protein. That is almost half the recommended daily amount for the average 84k g adult. (Some research suggests that people who do regular strength or endurance training may benefit from consuming more protein a day.) Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25% on Japan and Malaysia, 40% on Laos: Trump's tariff letters to Asia add pressure for deals by Aug 1 Business Asia markets edge up as Trump signals still open to tariff talks Singapore MRT services resume on 5-station stretch of North-South Line after track fault Multimedia 'I suspect he's cheating': She finds proof when spouses stray Asia Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised World Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Opinion Singapore at 60: Home truly is an idea that never stands still Singapore Fastest charger to be added to Singapore's EV charging network by Q4 in 2025 In comparison, a similar serving of farmed Atlantic salmon contains about 206 calories and 22g of protein. In addition to building muscle, protein is essential for repairing cells, making antibodies that fight disease and producing the enzymes that keep systems running. 'The entire body is built from protein,' Dr Silver said. It is better for your heart Chicken breast is very low in saturated fat – the kind associated with high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease, Dr Bridges said. One 99g serving has just 1g. Chicken also contains a modest dose of oleic and linoleic acids, two kinds of fat that have been shown to support heart health, he added. Simply adding more chicken to your diet will not necessarily reduce your risk of heart disease, he said, but substituting chicken for red and processed meats, such as bacon or hot dogs, might. It is full of B vitamins Chicken breast contains more than half the recommended daily amount of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, and more than 70 per cent of the recommended amount of vitamin B6. 'These nutrients do a whole bunch of different things,' Dr Silver said. For one thing, they are essential for brain health. Without them, people would not be able to make dopamine, serotonin or melatonin – the chemicals that regulate moods , sleep, attention and more. 'We need them for memory, for learning, for processing words and information,' she said. B vitamins are also essential for DNA production, and they help to transform food into energy, said Mr Lee Murphy, a nutrition instructor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Chicken breast is a protein powerhouse, but it has other strengths too. PHOTO: SUZANNE SAROFF/NYTIMES What is the best way to eat it? If it is an option, Dr Bridges recommended buying organic. To receive organic certification, the Department of Agriculture requires poultry farms to give chickens access to the outdoors and room to move around, and to provide organic feed. There is some evidence that these types of chickens contain slightly more beneficial fats and fewer saturated ones, Dr Bridges said. The breast is not the only part of the chicken worth eating, Dr Silver added. Dark meat cuts, such as the thighs and drumsticks, are fattier, but they also tend to have higher levels of some vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12, iron and zinc. To preserve chicken's heart health benefits, s he recommended sticking with a lower-fat cooking method, such as baking, grilling, poaching or air frying. NYTIMES
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Straits Times
Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The incident has prompted a renewed push to clear unregulated products from the market. BANGKOK - Thailand's Public Health Ministry has launched an urgent nationwide crackdown on cannabis-infused foods, beverages and snacks, following the hospitalisation of a two-year-old girl who consumed a cannabis-laced gummy. The incident has prompted a renewed push to clear unregulated products from the market and tighten controls on unlicensed vendors. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin expressed grave concern over the incident involving the two-year, six-month-old child. He highlighted that the easy access to cannabis by young people and its health implications have been a persistent worry for authorities. Upon learning of the recent incident, Mr Somsak immediately instructed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Provincial Public Health Offices (PPHOs) across the country to conduct continuous raids until all such products are eradicated. 'Today, all parties must cooperate and help provide information to eliminate these things,' Mr Somsak stated. 'What I have always been concerned about is the uninformed access to cannabis by children and youth,' he added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25% on Japan and Malaysia, 40% on Laos: Trump's tariff letters to Asia add pressure for deals by Aug 1 Business Asia markets edge up as Trump signals still open to tariff talks World Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Singapore MRT train services resume on 5-station stretch of North-South Line after track fault Multimedia 'I suspect he's cheating': She finds proof when spouses stray Opinion Singapore at 60: Home truly is an idea that never stands still Singapore Fastest charger to be added to Singapore's EV charging network by Q4 in 2025 Singapore Singapore's second mufti Sheikh Syed Isa Semait dies at age 87 He cited data from the Chulalongkorn University's Department of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine, which surveyed the impact and solutions for drug abuse from experts. 'Based on data collected specifically in 2022, cannabis smoking among Thai children and youth aged 18 to 19 years increased tenfold, from 1-2 per cent in 2020 to 9.7 per cent. Therefore, we must push forward to ensure cannabis is genuinely used only for medical purposes, to reduce its impact on children, youth, and society,' said Mr Somsak. Ministry officials possess comprehensive powers to act against cannabis-laced products, whether in food, sweets, drinks, or other forms, particularly if they contain cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits. Authorities can immediately seize items, impose fines, and refer cases to the police for further legal action. The penalties for unauthorised cannabis-infused food products, or those lacking proper labelling, are severe. Fines can range up to 30,000 baht (S$1,180), with potential imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Should investigations reveal that products were manufactured or imported without permission, or if THC levels are dangerously high, they will be classified as 'impure food', carrying penalties of up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
