In March 2024, Princess of Wales Kate Middleton publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis following abdominal surgery earlier that year. Then, in early 2025, she shared that the cancer was in remission, and now more recently, she shared that the experience had led to her adopting a new approach to alcohol.
Kate Middleton Quits Alcohol Post-Cancer Diagnosis
“Since my diagnosis, I haven’t had much alcohol. It’s something I have to be a lot more conscious 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. While she did not explicitly state that she was now officially a teetotaler, it’s clear that she has become extremely conscious about her alcohol consumption, which is common amongst cancer survivors.
The World Health Organization has classed alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, noting that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption based on findings linking alcohol consumption to various cancers. Middleton’s revelation sheds light on the importance of changing one’s relationship with alcohol, especially regarding diagnosis and recovery.
Why Cancer Survivors Avoid Alcohol
A 2023 study published in Oncology found that among 15 199 adults with a cancer diagnosis, 77.7% admitted to consuming alcohol. Among them, 13.0% exceeded moderate drinking, 23.8% reported binge drinking, and 38.3% engaged in hazardous drinking.
Kate Middleton’s decision not to consume alcohol aligns with regular advice given by doctors and cancer specialists, and here are a few reasons why, after a cancer diagnosis, patients will need to reconsider their relationship with alcohol.
1. Increased secondary cancer risk
Countless studies have consistently linked alcohol consumption with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal, yet it doesn’t stop there. In fact, for people who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past, the continued consumption of alcohol may raise their risk of developing secondary, unrelated cancers, particularly mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and bowel cancers.
For instance, one study found that in patients with UADT (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus) cancers, alcohol consumption increased their risk of secondary cancers by nearly three times.
2. Poor recovery period
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation already take a toll on the body, and the consumption of alcohol can place extra strain on organs like the liver and kidneys, worsening the recovery period.
Cancer survivors are likely to be prescribed medications as part of their treatment, and alcohol will not only interfere with their effectiveness. Still, they may also worsen side effects like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
So, how much alcohol is allowed?
Well, if we’re aligning with what health organizations advise, none. That said, you’re welcome to communicate with your healthcare practitioner to confirm if you’re allowed a glass of red wine now and then. Nonetheless, it is highly advisable to avoid alcohol during treatment.
Healthy Post-Cancer Habits
Aside from 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 helpful for individuals experiencing serious health challenges.
They include:
- Eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in fruits, legumes, and vegetables
- Staying active, be it through gardening, dancing, or other exercises
- Reducing stress levels
- Getting enough sleep
- Socializing
- Avoiding smoking and vaping
Want to know more?
Like her sister-in-law, actress Meghan Markle is all about healthy drinking, which is why she starts the day with lemon water and relies on a green juice. Here’s why you might want to follow Meghan Markle’s drinking habits.
References
Druesne-Pecollo, N., Keita, Y., Touvier, M., Chan, D. S., Norat, T., Hercberg, S., & Latino-Martel, P. (2014). Alcohol drinking and second primary cancer risk in patients with upper aerodigestive tract cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, 23(2), 324–331. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-13-0779
Shi, M., Luo, C., Oduyale, O.K., Zong, X., et al. (2023). Alcohol Consumption Among Adults With a Cancer Diagnosis in the All of Us Research Program. JAMA network open, [online] 6(8), p.e2328328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28328
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