Brave Sarah Ferguson thanks her wellwishers and says she’s in ‘good spirits’ after being diagnosed with skin cancer
BRAVE Sarah Ferguson says she’s in “good spirits” after receiving her second cancer diagnosis within a year.
The Duchess of York shared the shock news with Royal fans and thanked well-wishers for their support this morning.
Fergie, 64, has been taking time to recover in Austria the past few weeks, after test results revealed a malignant melanoma just days before Christmas.
Despite the “distressing” diagnosis, the brave Royal assured she is in “good spirits and grateful” for all the love and support.
She also urged everyone to check the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles to catch any potential skin cancer early.
It is understood the Duchess is undergoing further investigations to ensure the melanoma has been caught in the early stages.
Fergie wrote a statement on Instagram which read: “I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, my second cancer diagnosis within a year after I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was.
“Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.
“I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent.
“I am incredibly thankful to the medical teams that have supported me through both of these experiences with cancer and to the MAYRLIFE Clinic for taking gentle care of me in the past weeks, allowing me time for recuperation.
“I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.”
It is understood her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are in close contact with the Duchess and others members of the royal family have been in contact.
The shocking diagnosis comes just months after the Duchess was treated for breast cancer.
Fergie, who is patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, had been symptom-free before her breast cancer was detected at a routine mammogram, The Sun exclusively reported.
She underwent a mastectomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, on June 23 in which a breast was removed and reconstructed.
Dermatologists raised the alarm regarding the Duchess’ melanoma after removing several moles from her body while having reconstructive breast surgery last year.
A spokesman said: “Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
“Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed at the same time as the Duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits.
“The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was.
“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”
Fergie’s cancer diagnosis comes just days after it was revealed both King Charles and Princess Kate have planned medical operations.
Kate was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on Tuesday, as King Charles’ awaits treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The monarch, 75, has been absent from Royal duties while prepping for the op next week.
Meanwhile, the Princess is currently out of action recovering from her surgery, which was not for cancer, it is understood, but Kensington Palace have not speculated on the private medical matter.
Signs of melanoma to look out for
Most experts recommend using the simple “ABCDE” rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body.
- Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape
- Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border
- Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours
- Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter
- Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma
