Latest news with #cancerRecovery
BreakingNews.ie
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Michael Douglas ‘no real intentions' of going back to acting
Hollywood star Michael Douglas has said he has 'no real intentions' of going back to acting and that he is happy 'taking the time off'. The 80-year old actor and producer was speaking during a press conference at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic for the 50th anniversary of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, which he co-produced. Advertisement Douglas most recently starred as Benjamin Franklin in the Apple TV+ series Franklin in 2022 and said that unless something 'special' came along, it was time for him 'to stop'. The actor, who is married to Welsh actress Catherine Zeta Jones, also spoke about how 'lucky' he was to have made a recovery from stage four cancer after undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment and avoiding surgery that would have impacted his speech and removed parts of his jaw. Michael Douglas said he was 'very happy taking the time off' (Doug Peters/PA) He said: 'I've had a very busy career. I have not worked since 2022, purposefully, because I realised I had to stop. I had been working pretty hard for almost 60 years, and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set. 'I'm very happy with taking the time off. I have no real intentions of going back. Advertisement 'I say I'm not retired, because if something special came up, I'd go back, but otherwise, I'm quite happy. Just like to watch my wife work.' Douglas co-produced the film adaptation to Ken Kesey's novel, which explores themes of power and resistance as a rebellious convict arrives at a psychiatric hospital in 1963 where he encourages his fellow patients to take control of their lives and defy the tyrannical head nurse. Starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, the film was nominated for nine Oscars and took home five including the 1975 award for best picture. Michael Douglas is married to Welsh actress Catherine Zeta Jones (Ian West/PA) When asked about the parallels between the film and current political environment in the US, Douglas said: 'I think our president's name has been mentioned enough in the short time that he's been president. Advertisement 'And I look at it generally as the fact of how precious, how precious democracy is, how vulnerable it is, and how it always has to be protected, and we have to be reminded. 'Right now, our country is flirting with autocracy as some other democracies in this world. 'Democracy is not to be taken for granted, and I think it reminds us that we all need to make our efforts. It's not the job of somebody else. 'And of course, the disappointing thing is, politics now seem to be for profit. Advertisement 'I myself am worried, I'm nervous, and I just think it's all of our responsibilities, not for somebody else to look out for us, but for us to each look out for ourselves.'
Fox News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Kate Middleton taps secret healing regimen after cancer battle: expert
Kate Middleton is said to be a quiet force behind palace doors, as she continues to keep busy and prioritize her health after skipping Royal Ascot. "Princess Catherine has been recuperating behind the scenes," royal expert Neil Sean told Fox News Digital. "This includes a return to ballet with her daughter Princess Charlotte, a massive return to daily nature walks, as well as [keeping up with] her photography hobby." "An excellent source told me she is living in the moment and has no time for drama… or difficult family members," Sean claimed. "She attended Trooping of the Colour and the Order of the Garter but felt it was too much to attend Royal Ascot. She felt exhausted. This is normal… regarding her return after cancer." "One thing that she also does every single day which she describes as the best therapy known to her is her return to playing the piano," Sean added. Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. On June 18, the Princess of Wales canceled her appearance at Royal Ascot at the last minute. While the mother of three was said to be disappointed not to be there, she is still trying to find the right balance as she returns to public-facing engagements following her cancer treatment. While some royal watchers were concerned about the 43-year-old's ongoing recovery, a source told Sean that she's immersing herself in her favorite hobbies and receiving support from other senior royals. She's also completing royal duties at her own pace. "Behind the scenes, the Princess of Wales continues with various Zoom chats with her charities… and dealing with an incredible amount of correspondence from all over the world. But as she's pointed out, it's the simple things in life that have truly turned her life around." "A source tells me that one of her great comforts is having a very close friendship between herself and her daughter, Princess Charlotte," Sean shared. "Last year, they went on a private visit to the Sadler's Wells ballet, which has [sparked] Charlotte's interest in the world of dance, something that Catherine herself shared when she was younger." Sean claimed that mother and daughter share a mutual love of dance, an art form that Kate's late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, was also passionate about. PRINCESS DIANA'S BALLET TEACHER RECALLS SURPRISE 'UPTOWN GIRL' DANCE "As the source told me, 'One of the things that she thoroughly enjoys is the escapism and the relaxation of dance and the wonderful classical music from that particular genre,'" Sean claimed. "'It's really helped her focus… [on] what's important to her now.'" "Not only that… I am told she spends at least one hour a day lost in the beauty of [the piano], playing everything from Kate Bush to Mendelssohn," Sean claimed, noting that William has been "enjoying" his wife's musical skills. British royals expert Hilary Fordwich also told Fox News Digital that Kate has received both the respect and admiration from palace aides. "Those who work with her, and for her, share that she's disciplined, pragmatic, and a quiet, influential figure," Fordwich explained. "She divides her time meticulously between parenting, supporting Prince William, fulfilling her royal duties, all while maintaining a workout regimen supporting her physical and mental health." "Of particular note is her ability to balance tradition with a modern approach to family life, which is crucial for the monarchy's relevance in an ever-changing world," said Fordwich. "She's in lockstep with her generation." Fordwich said that in addition to William and the senior royals, Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, as well as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and her sister-in-law Alizee Thevenet "have been lovely sources of emotional strength. Alizee, in particular, has been a source of hope and optimism. The entire family's unity and support has been vital to Catherine." An insider also claimed to Sean that both William and King Charles "have put zero pressure on Catherine to return to full-time royal duties." "They're [encouraging] her to enjoy these wonderful moments with her young family while recuperating," said Sean. "The princess knows how fortunate she is. She is tending to a brand-new family vegetable garden patch with both Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte." "Catherine's other passion has been returning her home cooking, particularly her chutney and her specialty honey from her beehive… The princess told [the] source that these are great therapeutic things to do. You lose yourself in the art of cooking, and it's something you can share with the children, family and friends while talking about all manner of things with zero pressure." WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON MAKES KEY DECISIONS FOR ROYALS AS FUTURE QUEEN: EXPERT "[Catherine] knows only too well how fortunate she is, but behind the scenes she is a rock to many others," Sean claimed. "Catherine told this source that we must remember to always enjoy the moments that we are in and not lose sight of the fact that life is a wonderful and precious thing." Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that the Middleton family have been "the unsung heroes" during Kate's journey through cancer. In January of this year, the princess announced that she was in remission from the disease. "This has been a tremendously stressful period for Catherine, and she has been supported by a loving husband and… the Middletons, who have been a tower of strength." "It is a considerable responsibility to bring up a family of three with the pressures she is under," said Fitzwilliams. "The word 'balance' as her activities are planned, will be pivotal whilst she is in remission." "She has reportedly become more spiritual and has, as her videos have shown, drawn much inspiration from nature and the natural world. She will derive strength in the knowledge that the world wishes her well." People magazine reported that Kate returned to work after her absence at Royal Ascot. According to The Court Circular, the British royal family's official record of previous engagements, Kate and William received Melinda French Gates on June 25 at Windsor Castle. According to the outlet, the couple represented The Royal Foundation at the meeting. The charity focuses on the early childhood years and mental health, among other causes. The meeting didn't take them far from their home at Adelaide Cottage in the grounds of Windsor. Fordwich said Kate "is excited" about Wimbledon, which she typically attends every year, as well as the French state visit held at Windsor Castle beginning July 8. In addition, the royal family usually retreats to Balmoral Castle, their Scottish estate, in the summer. "Princess Catherine's approach to balancing duty and family, as well as [practicing] mindful self-care while being careful not to overextend herself, has rendered her as ever more vital, as well as a highly respected member of the royal family," said Fordwich. "She embodies qualities admired by the British public… [And she has] a quiet resilience that's essential to the monarchy's future."
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Is exercise really better than drugs for cancer remission? It's an appealing idea – but it's misleading
You might have seen the recent headlines on a new study on exercise and cancer recovery suggesting that 'exercise is better than a drug' in preventing cancer returning. Cue a wave of commentary pitting 'big pharma' against fitness, as if we must choose between pills and planks. It's an appealing narrative – but it's also misleading. We don't need to choose between the two. In fact, the best health outcomes often come from combining medicine with a broader view of health that includes movement, diet, social connection and mental wellbeing. Let's consider what the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, actually looked at. It focused on colon cancer – the third-most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Between 2009 and 2024, researchers set up a randomised trial across 55 centres – mainly in Australia and Canada – where 889 patients who had had surgery for colon cancer, and who had completed chemotherapy, were split into two groups randomly. Over a three-year period, one group received a structured exercise programme (the exercise group of 445 patients) and the other received health education materials alone (the health education group of 444 patients). One thing you may already have clocked here is that the patients all received chemotherapy after their cancer surgery. So nothing about the experiment put exercise head-to-head with cancer medicines. Instead, they asked what kind of exercise support after surgery and chemotherapy treatments might improve overall health, and potentially keep the cancer from recurring. The structured exercise group received health education materials, such as an exercise guidebook for colon cancer survivors, and support from a certified personal trainer for three years. In the first six months, they received 12 mandatory in-person behavioural-support sessions, 12 mandatory supervised exercise sessions plus 12 optional supervised exercise sessions. Over the next two and a half years, the frequency of in-person and supervised sessions slowly decreased to help patients transition to more independent exercise routines. In contrast, the health education group received only general health education materials on the benefits of physical activity and a healthy diet. At a median follow-up of almost eight years, disease-free survival was significantly longer in the structured exercise group (90.3%) than in the health education group (83.2%). Both groups increased their physical activity levels over the three years, but the structured exercise group met the goal of increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity. This roughly added to their existing activity levels about an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week or a 30-minute jog three to four times a week. The better health outcomes could also be linked to the social contact that patients in the exercise group had, given they were enrolled in a structured and supervised programme with a personal trainer to support them and not left on their own. What struck me, and the authors, from their study is that knowledge alone – even among those who have had colon cancer and have been advised to exercise – isn't enough to shift activity levels. Structure, supervision and social contact matter. Being told to 'move more' is easy. Actually changing your habits – especially after cancer treatment – is hard. That transition requires coaching, encouragement, and the support and time to build confidence. We have known for a long time that a generally physically and socially healthy life can be very effective in warding off disease, even cancer. What this study actually gives us is some direction for the best way to make that happen, and a look at how positive the effects can really be. Perhaps I'm biased as a personal trainer, but structured exercise is one of the best investments you can make for your health – whether it's in recovery from cancer or trying to prevent getting cancer. This doesn't have to be one-on-one gym sessions, which can be costly and out of reach for many. It could be joining affordable boot camps in the park – that cost as much as your morning latte – or free classes in discount gym chains. Plus, you might make a few new friends and improve your social life too. The real headline isn't that exercise is better than drugs for cancer recovery. It's that just telling people to move without offering support – ie the health education movement – isn't enough. Prof Devi Sridhar is chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, and the author of How Not to Die (Too Soon)
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kate Middleton Turned to a Traditional Chinese Medicine Technique amid Cancer Journey That She Also Used While Pregnant
Kate Middleton reportedly revealed that she had acupuncture while recovering from cancer Princess Kate, 43, made the revelation at Colchester Hospital on July 2 The Daily Mail reported that the royal previously had acupuncture when she was pregnant with son Prince George, 11Kate Middleton has revealed a holistic practice she featured in her routine during her cancer journey. On July 2, the Princess of Wales, 43, shared the tidbit during a visit to Colchester Hospital to see the center's Wellbeing Garden. Speaking to therapist Amanda Green during a walkabout outside the hospital, Kate said she had tried acupuncture, according to The Telegraph. While speaking to a group of patients about different techniques offered by the hospital's cancer well-being center, the Princess of Wales said, "What seems to be really fantastic is that there is a real personal approach: what helps one person – acupuncture or something – might not help another," according to the outlet. The Mayo Clinic explains that acupuncture is a key aspect of traditional Chinese medicine, in which thin needles are inserted at strategic points across the body. The method is used to treat pain or to boost general wellness, including stress management. The Daily Mail noted it might not be the first time Princess Kate has had acupuncture, either. According to the outlet, the royal had the treatment while pregnant with Prince George, now 11, and suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes morning sickness. The Princess of Wales also navigated the same condition while pregnant with her younger children, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Princess Kate spoke with candor about her cancer journey during her stop at Colchester Hospital on July 2 in her first public outing after she missed what was touted as an anticipated appearance at Royal Ascot with Prince William on June 18. "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, really difficult,' " the Princess of Wales said. "You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to," she continued. "And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable." Princess Kate described a cancer diagnosis as "life-changing" for both the patient and their families, acknowledging the shock and emotional "roller coaster" that comes with it. "You have to find your new normal and that takes it's a roller coaster, it's not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is you go through hard times," she said. In March 2024, the Princess of Wales announced that she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer she said was detected following an abdominal surgery she had had that January. The royal reduced her duties to focus on her health and shared in September that she completed chemotherapy. In January, Princess Kate announced that she was in remission following a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital, where she previously received treatment. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Princess Kate has seemingly made a full return to royal work in the months since, sparking speculation about what seemed to be a last-minute absence at Royal Ascot. PEOPLE understands that an inaccurate carriage listing was mistakenly issued by Royal Ascot, creating confusion when Princess Kate didn't join William as anticipated. The Princess of Wales was said to be disappointed not to be able to attend the horse race, but those close to her say it's about striking the right balance as she eases back into public duties. "She's being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,' Queen Elizabeth's former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson previously told PEOPLE about how Kate is pacing herself. Read the original article on People
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The holistic therapy that saved Kate in her toughest times: How the Princess of Wales turned to acupuncture to aid in her cancer recovery - after previously using the treatment for morning sickness
The Princess of Wales has revealed she leaned on an ancient holistic method to help recover from cancer. Kate, 43, who is continuing a slow and measured return to public life while in remission from cancer, told patients at a cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital that she had tried acupuncture - a traditional Chinese medicine in which practitioners insert thin needles into specific parts of the body to promote healing and relieve pain. The mother-of-three is believed to have also used the method to help cope with her severe morning sickness in 2012, while she was pregnant with Prince George. Kate went on to suffer again from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) while pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2014 and Prince Louis in 2018. The condition saw the Princess announce her later two pregnancies early, before reaching the crucial 12-week stage. HG can lead to severe dehydration and puts both mother and baby at risk of being deprived of essential nutrients, as they are unable to keep food and drink down. Sufferers can be left vomiting up to 30 times a day, with exhausting and hazardous consequences. Studies have shown acupuncture can help with sickness and significantly relieve lower back or pelvic pain experienced by 90 per cent of women during pregnancy. Researchers consider it a safe treatment because it doesn't involve the need for drugs. It is unclear exactly how it might ease pain but is thought to involve the release of the body's innate 'happy' chemicals, endorphins. Acupuncture is also thought to increase blood flow to skin and muscle. Speaking yesterday, Kate spoke of the 'very scary, very daunting experience' of cancer did not end with the conclusion of treatment, with patients needing to take time to find their 'new normal'. She also revealed that she had tried acupuncture - a traditional Chinese medicine in which practitioners insert thin needles into specific parts of the body to promote healing and relieve pain - as part of her own recovery process. The princess, speaking to therapist Amanda Green during a walkabout in heavy rain afterwards, disclosed that she had not yet tried reflexology but had undergone acupuncture as part of her own health journey. The visit offered the princess's most personal and extensive insight into her own experience to date, seeing her reference her own ill health several times while offering empathy to other patients and families. 'It's life-changing for anyone,' she said. 'Through first diagnosis or post treatment and things like that, it is a life-changing experience both for the patient but also for the families as well. 'And actually it sometimes goes unrecognised, you don't necessarily, particularly when it's the first time [of diagnosis], appreciate how much impact it is going to have. 'You have to find your new normal and that takes time… and it's a rollercoaster, it's not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be. But the reality is it's not, you go through hard times. 'And to have a place like this to have the support network, through creativity and singing or gardening whatever it might be is so valuable and it's great this community has it. 'It would be great if lots of communities had this kind of support.' Hearing from a group of patients who credited the centre with supporting them, the Princess added: 'What seems to be really fantastic is that there is a real personal approach: what helps one person - acupuncture or something - might not help another. Others might want different support and to talk to someone.' 'Having gone through it myself', she added, she could now better understand the challenges of finding support. 'Some people don't have access and don't necessarily know how this system can help them,' she said. 'Joining the dots for patients and there might be fantastic community work going on, if it's bitty and there isn't one place and one body bringing these support networks together, it's hard to reach out, particularly when you're vulnerable. 'I can see it has such a transformative effect.' Hearing about the centre's choir, the Princess added: 'Having these creative avenues is really fantastic.' Meghan Markle also reportedly tried acupuncture to 'boost the flow of blood to her uterus' while pregnant with Archie. The Duchess of Sussex was said to be having sessions with London -based acupuncturist-to-the-stars Ross Bar. Barr boasts a glittering client list and is understood to have treated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the lead up to their wedding in May last year. 'Meghan has been having regular acupuncture sessions to help her unwind and relax,' a source close to Barr told Vanity Fair. 'It's brilliant for the blood circulation and boosting blood flow to the uterus. She plans to use acupuncture right up to her due date.' The Princess of Wales has also reflected on the healing power of nature as part of her recovery. 'The natural world's capacity to inspire us, to nurture us and help us heal and grow is boundless and has been understood for generations. 'It is through nature, that we can fully understand the true interconnectedness of all things, the importance of balance and the importance of renewal and resilience. Connecting to nature helps us to experience a deeper sense of ourselves, the world around us, and each other.' She adds: 'Spring is a season of rebirth, of hope and new beginnings. From the dark days of winter, the outside world quietly awakens with new life, and there comes a sense of optimism, anticipation, and positive, hopeful change. 'Just as nature revives and renews so too can we. Let us reconnect to nature and celebrate a new dawn within our hearts. 'It is often from the smallest of seeds that the greatest change can happen, and in this ever-growing complex world, we need to hold on to what connects us all. 'Spring is here, so let's make the most of it together,' she said in a video released by the palace. The princess also makes clear how much she hopes that her message will provide an antidote to the 'increasingly complex and digital world'. Signing off the post with 'C' - a sign that it personally comes from her - Catherine writes: 'This year's Mental Health Awareness Week, we are celebrating humanity's longstanding connection to nature, and its capacity to inspire us and help us to heal and grow in mind, body and spirit. 'As we confront the challenges of an increasingly complex and digital world, the importance of the connection between humanity and nature takes on even more significance. 'The Mother Nature series is a reminder and reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. It is a tribute to the lessons we can learn from nature, helping us to foster our own growth, strengthen our bonds with the world around us and each other.' 'Mother Nature' is described as a 'celebration of the raw, untamed beauty of the changing seasons across the UK'.
