In March 2024, Kate Middleton, Prince of Wales, publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis after undergoing abdominal surgery earlier that year. Then, at the beginning of 2025, she shared that the cancer is in remission, and now recently she shared that the experience led to the adoption of a new approach to alcohol.
Kate Middleton has given up alcohol following a cancer diagnosis
“Since my diagnosis, I haven’t had much to drink. It’s something I have to be more aware of now.”
During a visit to a London brewery with her husband, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge made an interesting comment about her relationship with alcohol. Although she hasn’t made it clear that she’s officially a babe yet, it’s clear that she’s become very aware of the alcohol consumption that’s common among cancer survivors.
The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a group 1 carcinogen, noting that there is There is no safe level of alcohol consumption based on findings linking alcohol consumption to various cancers. Middleton’s revelation highlights the importance of changing one’s relationship with alcohol, especially when it comes to diagnosis and recovery.
Why do cancer survivors avoid alcohol?
Year 2023 to read published Oncology found that among 15,199 adults with cancer, 77.7% had consumed alcohol. Among them, 13.0% drink moderately, 23.8% drink alcohol, and 38.3% indulge in harmful drinks.
Kate Middleton’s decision to drink alcohol is consistent with regular advice from doctors and oncologists, and here are a few reasons why patients should reconsider their relationship with alcohol after a cancer diagnosis.
1. Increased risk of secondary cancer
Countless studies have consistently linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon, but it doesn’t stop there. In fact, for people who have had cancer in the past, regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing related secondary cancers, particularly cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon.
For example, one to read found that in patients with UADT (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus) cancer, alcohol consumption nearly tripled their risk of secondary cancers.
2. Slow recovery period
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation already take a toll on the body, and alcohol consumption can put extra stress on organs such as the liver and kidneys, making recovery worse.
Cancer survivors are likely to be prescribed medications as part of their treatment, and alcohol does more than just interfere with their effectiveness. However, they can also worsen side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
So how much alcohol is allowed?
Well, if we go by what health organizations advise, nothing. That said, you are welcome to communicate with your medical doctor to confirm if you are allowed a glass of red wine now and then. However, it is recommended to avoid alcohol during treatment.
Healthy habits after cancer
Besides cutting back on alcohol, there are other habits that people can adopt as part of their cancer recovery, and the good news is that these habits aren’t just beneficial for people with serious health problems.
They include:
- Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, legumes and vegetables
- Staying active, whether it’s gardening, dancing, or other activities
- Reduce stress levels
- Getting enough sleep
- Socialization
- Avoid smoking and vaping
Want to learn more?
Like her sister-in-law, actress Meghan Markle is all about healthy drinks, so she starts the day with lemon water and relies on green juice. This is why you want to Follow Meghan Markle’s drinking habits.
Quotes
Druesne-Pecollo, N., Keita, Y., Touvier, M., Chan, DS, Norat, T., Hercberg, S., & Latino-Martel, P. (2014). Alcohol consumption and risk of second primary cancer in patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers, and prevention: a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, sponsored by the American Society for Preventive Oncology, 23(2), 324–331. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-13-0779
Shi, M., Luo, S., Oduyale, OK, Zong, X. et al. (2023). Alcohol use among adults diagnosed with cancer in the All Us Research Program. Open JAMA Network(online) 6(8), p.e2328328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28328
