Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson Diagnosed With Skin Cancer Weeks After Sharing She 'Beat' Breast Cancer
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on Dec. 25, 2023, in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson has received another concerning cancer diagnosis following her battle with breast cancer last year.
A spokesperson for the royal known fondly as “Fergie” said she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer, according to a statement obtained by The Sun. The duchess is working with her medical team to determine what stage the cancer has reached.
“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,” the statement from Fergie’s spokesperson said. Her doctors received the test results identifying the malignant cancer late last year, The Sun reported.
Being diagnosed with skin cancer “so soon” after her battle with breast cancer “has been distressing” for Fergie, the spokesperson added, but “the Duchess remains in good spirits.”
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The diagnosis reiterates how important it is to keep an eye on moles and ask a dermatologist to assess any that begin to change in how they look or feel, the statement said. It’s a message the Duchess is now passing along.
Fergie, 64, announced her diagnosis with breast cancer through a spokesperson last June. The cancer was diagnosed early through a routine mammogram, after which the Duchess underwent surgery. As with her skin cancer diagnosis, the Duchess has urged “regular screening” for breast cancer.
The Duchess mentioned her breast cancer battle in a New Year’s Eve Instagram post that touched upon some of the “ups and downs, trials, lessons, laughter, miracles and joy” of 2023. In the post, Fergie shared that she “beat” breast cancer and was looking forward to the new year ahead.
The Duchess’ skin cancer diagnosis is the latest in a wave of health updates from the Royal Family. Last week, Kate Middleton was taken to the hospital for a scheduled abdominal surgery on Jan. 16. A statement released by Kensington Palace said the surgery was “successful” but that the Princess of Wales is not expected to resume her royal duties until after Easter.
Buckingham Palace also announced last week that King Charles III will soon be undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. His surgery is reportedly scheduled to happen this week.
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