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Sarah Ferguson Reveals Heartbreaking Skin Cancer Diagnosis Weeks After She 'Beat' Breast Cancer
Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with skin cancer, just weeks after announcing that she "beat" breast cancer.
According to a statement from the Duchess of York's representative obtained by People magazine, the 64-year-old "has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma," a serious type of skin cancer.
The former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was previously diagnosed "with an early form of breast cancer" in June 2023.
One of the moles she had removed and analyzed by a dermatologist during reconstruction surgery following her mastectomy turned out to be cancerous.
"It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was," she wrote on Monday in an Instagram post.
Fergie's representative relayed a message on her behalf expressing gratitude for her support team.
“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.”
People on social media sent well wishes after hearing the news.
The representative added:
“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”
Fergie is receiving treatment in London and has spent time at the MAYRLIFE clinic, a medical health resort in Altaussee, Austria, following her second cancer diagnosis.
The rep noted that Fergie:
“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 spirit."
A friend of Fergie also told People that a second cancer diagnosis in “a matter of months has obviously been a shock and a blow" but added:
"[She] is very resilient and in good spirits."
"Her time in Austria helped her gather her strength, and her family is supporting her.”
On Monday's Instagram post, Fergie confirmed her positive outlook, thanks to the supportive messages she received online.
She wrote:
"Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support."
She also reminded people of the importance of being "diligent."
"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."
Fergie's father, Major Ronald Ferguson, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996 and also had skin cancer. He suffered a heart attack in November 2002 and died in March 2003.
Fergie, who is a founding supporter of the American Cancer Society's Great American Weigh In and a recipient of an award from the Journal of Women's Health, hopes to continue using her voice to spread awareness and encourage regular testing for early cancer detection.
Her mission is a cause shared by her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, 35, who works as a patron of the British Skin Association and has previously worked with cancer patients.
Amid her breast cancer diagnosis in November, the Duchess of York praised both her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, 33, for being “my wholehearted cheerleaders, my devoted champions and my soulmates, and they have been as supportive as can be, as they always are."