Body:
A two-time cancer survivor, Terri Grice, has reached out to Kate Middleton, urging the Duchess of Cambridge to "stay positive" as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy. Grice, who herself battled breast cancer, is empathetic towards Kate's struggle to open up about her condition to her three young children.

Grice, from Chester, experienced a sharp pain under her armpit and discovered a small lump under her right breast in 2011. Initially dismissing these symptoms, her late husband, Mark, insisted she consult a GP, which led to her breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and proceeded with adjuvant chemotherapy to ensure her body remained cancer-free.

On March 22, Princess Kate disclosed her own cancer diagnosis to the public. She revealed that a recent abdominal surgery had led to the discovery of cancer, and she is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy. While the specific type of cancer is unknown, it is important to note that "preventative chemotherapy" is not a recognized medical term. Doctors commonly use the term "adjuvant chemotherapy," which aims to eliminate any stray cancer cells that may have detached from the primary tumor before surgery, thus reducing the risk of recurrence.

Grice understands the emotional and physical toll that comes with a cancer diagnosis. She empathizes with Kate's struggle, especially when it comes to revealing the condition to her children, Charlotte (8), Louis (5), and George (10). Grice expressed her support for the Duchess, emphasizing the importance of staying positive during the challenging journey. She remarked that Kate's positive demeanor is inspiring and reminded her that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.

During Grice's own treatment, her husband Mark stood as her rock, accompanying her through every chemotherapy session. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2015 due to kidney failure at the age of 42. Grice had a cancer recurrence thirteen years after her initial diagnosis, discovering skin "tethering" near her breast and another pea-sized lump. This time, she faced the battle alone, navigating eerie hospital wards due to COVID-19 restrictions. She underwent three months of chemotherapy followed by a mastectomy of her right breast.

Coincidentally, during her waiting period for the operation, Grice met Carrie Pritchard, 57, a fellow breast cancer survivor from Chester. Pritchard had previously undergone routine mammograms due to her cysts but discovered an 8cm tumor during an ultrasound scan in August 2020. After months of chemotherapy and Herceptin injections, Pritchard received the all-clear and underwent a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy.

Both Grice and Pritchard can relate to Kate's anxiety about discussing their diagnoses with their children. However, they emphasize that cancer is not a death sentence, particularly when caught early. Additionally, they highlight the importance of early detection and urge individuals to consult their GPs if they notice any abnormalities or persistent symptoms.

The Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell, reported a significant increase in visits to their cancer information web pages following Kate's announcement. Mitchell stressed that early detection leads to more successful treatment outcomes.

As Kate Middleton continues her cancer battle, she finds solace in the words of survivors like Terri Grice and Carrie Pritchard, who are living proof that a positive attitude and early detection can make all the difference in overcoming this devastating disease.