Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma just months after overcoming breast cancer.
A spokesperson for the British royal announced the news this past Sunday.
Ferguson Wins Battle Against Breast Cancer
On New Year’s Eve, Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, announced via Instagram that she had defeated breast cancer.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I beat breast cancer,” she wrote at the time.
Unfortunate Diagnosis Just Weeks Later
During her mastectomy, Ferguson’s dermatologist asked that several moles be analyzed and removed.
Unfortunately, the Duchess of York was diagnosed with malignant melanoma shortly after.
Ferguson’s Spokesperson Reveals Shocking News
In the wake of the diagnosis, a spokesperson for Ferguson confirmed the situation.
“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” they said (via Hello! Magazine).
Royals Hopeful Illness in the Early Stages
While it’s uncertain exactly when the diagnosis was made, the team around Ferguson is hopeful they caught the disease early enough to treat it successfully.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” her spokesperson said.
Ferguson Remains in Good Spirits
Ferguson has now experienced two cancer diagnoses in less than a year. Yet, according to sources, she remains full of hope.
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the duchess remains in good spirits,” said her spokesperson.
Cause Behind Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in the cells that give the skin its color (via Mayo Clinic).
While several causes lead to this form of skin cancer, most doctors agree it stems from overexposure to the sun’s UV light. If found early enough, it can typically be treated.
Receiving Treatment at Royal Marsden Hospital
Fergie will undergo treatment at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital and under the care of the revered Dr. Andrew Furness.
She will also be looked after by Catherine Borysiewicz, a dermatologist specialist from King Edward VI’s Hospital in London.
Ferguson Encourages Others to Get Checked
Even amid the unsettling news, Ferguson used it as an opportunity to advise others to get themselves checked.
“The duchess wants to thank the entire medical team that 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, color, and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma,” said her spokesperson.
Unfortunate String of Events for British Royals
The news of Ferguson’s diagnosis comes amid a tough few months for British royals. The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, went through a severe procedure that may take her up to six months to recover from.
It’s also recently been announced that following King Charles’ procedure at the end of January, further tests have revealed he has cancer.
Buckingham Palace Breaks the News
On Monday, Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the king’s illness.
“During the king’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” they said (via ABC News). “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
Charles Begins Treatment
According to reports, the king has already begun treatment and has been “advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.”
Yet, he will “continue to undertake state business and official paperwork as usual.”
