In a heartfelt and poignant plea, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has opened up about her recent battle with skin cancer and breast cancer, urging followers to prioritise their health check-ups in recognition of Cancer Prevention Action Week.
Taking to Instagram, Ferguson delivered a powerful message about her own cancer journey and the importance of remaining vigilant when it comes to your health.
“To mark #CancerPreventionActionWeek, I would like to urge anyone who is able to be diligent with their health check ups,” Ferguson began.
“I’m determined to do whatever I can to help raise awareness by sharing my experience. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, this year and had it not been for the diligence and care of my physicians, my situation could have been so much worse.
“It was a busy 2023 and I almost put off my routine mammogram, but my sister Jane convinced me to go. After undergoing a mastectomy and reconstruction, I could only hope that I was in the clear, which is why a new diagnosis of skin cancer came as a shock. I’m now in the best hands and feeling positive with the support of my family.
“Days could make the difference between life and death, so please don’t skip or put off your #healthchecks and urge your loved ones to go to theirs.”
The post garnered an outpouring of positive comments from followers, commending her dedication to raising awareness.
“Thinking of you Sarah xx. Well done to you! So important,” one wrote.
“Sarah, you look truly stunning! Thank you for your dedication and ongoing commitment to raising awareness, saving lives through early detection, and empowering those affected and touched by cancer.”
“Thank you for pushing for awareness of how important health checks are. You are a beautiful human Sarah,” commented another.
“God bless you, Sarah. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.”
Since being diagnosed with skin cancer, mere months after triumphing over breast cancer, Ferguson has remained open about her health battle in an effort to raise awareness and highlight the importance of early intervention.
After receiving her latest diagnosis, Ferguson delivered a moving message to her fans and well-wishers, expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of “love and support” she has received since sharing her diagnosis.
In an emotional Instagram post, the Duchess revealed the diagnosis had come as a “shock” while thanking those who had sent their well wishes.
“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,” she wrote at the time.
“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.”