Sarah Ferguson breaks her silence following ‘shock’ health news

In a moving message to her fans and well-wishers, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of “love and support” she has received since sharing her skin cancer diagnosis.

Only months after triumphing over breast cancer, Ferguson was delivered the unfortunate news after she had multiple moles removed and analysed when she underwent reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, with one mole found to be cancerous.

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.

“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.”

 

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A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)

In the face of her latest health challenge, fans worldwide have continued to send their best to the Duchess while hoping for a “speedy recovery”.

“Sending you all the love. Praying for your swift recovery,” one person wrote.

“Huge hugs – not an easy time but a very positive message here.”

“Sending love and wishing you a speedy recovery!! You’ve got this!!”

“Thank you for sharing your experience,” commented another.

“You are SO LOVED… in the same way that you love others. Prayers for your recovery are powerful and purposed, stay strong you wonderful human.”

Ferguson’s latest diagnosis comes after she underwent surgery for breast cancer in June 2023.

The 64-year-old was confronted with the unexpected revelation during a routine mammogram examination.

Speaking to BBC News at the time, the Duchess’ spokesperson said her surgery was “successful” and she “is receiving the best medical care”, with her doctors expressing their optimism about her prognosis.

The spokesperson also said the Duchess wishes “to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days.”

“She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom-free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening,” the spokesperson said at the time.