Princess of Wales' post-cancer health reset includes no-alcohol rule

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, stirs in a brewhouse kettle during a tour of the Southwark Brewing Company at the Bermondsey Beer Mile in London, Thursday, March 12. AP-Yonhap

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, has provided a rare glimpse into life after her battle with cancer during a recent outing that involved alcohol.

According to latest media reports including the Daily Mail, she and her husband William, Prince of Wales, visited a brewery as part of an official royal engagement supporting local businesses in London, March 12.

At the event, she was offered a beer tasting but politely declined, saying, “Since my cancer diagnosis, I rarely drink alcohol. It’s something I need to be more mindful of now.”

Her cancer journey

The Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024, during which cancer was discovered. She publicly revealed her diagnosis in March of that year, completed chemotherapy in September and announced she was in remission by January 2025.

“Remission” means there are no longer detectable signs or symptoms of cancer in the body. She has not disclosed the exact type of cancer, though experts speculate it could be ovarian, uterine or colorectal cancer based on the nature of her surgery.

Alcohol and cancer risk

Like the royal's cautious approach suggests, alcohol is a well-established risk factor for cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. National Cancer Institute both classify alcohol as a carcinogen. It is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal and breast. Even moderate drinking, around one drink per day, can increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer.

Why alcohol raises cancer risk

Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that damages DNA and interferes with its repair.

It can also increase hormone levels like estrogen — raising breast cancer risk, generate harmful reactive oxygen species and promote chronic inflammation in the body. These processes create an environment where cancer is more likely to develop.

For some cancers, alcohol consumption may also worsen prognosis or increase the risk of recurrence, which is why limiting or avoiding alcohol is often recommended.

Post-cancer lifestyle

Since her diagnosis, the mother of three is said to have embraced a more health-focused routine, such as taking more walks in nature and adopting a well-balanced diet.

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Walking or resting in forests has been shown to lower stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure compared to urban environments. Research also suggests it can boost natural killer cell activity, which helps the body fight cancer cells and viruses. The effect may last up to a month after a few days in nature.

Clean diet

For breakfast, she is known to choose oatmeal, which is rich in soluble fiber, supports heart health and has plenty of fruits and vegetables during her meals.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage, while oats help regulate blood sugar and improve satiety. The World Health Organization recommends consuming at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables daily.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.