The problem is that a complete remission does not mean the cancer is gone. Even when a cancer is “cured” — defined as no evidence of cancer for five years — it may not be vanquished.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced Tuesday that she is in remission from cancer, less than one year after shared her diagnosis publicly. The 43-year-old princess shared the update in a statement on X, writing, "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery."