Only months after triumphing over breast cancer, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, now faces another health battle, a diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
The Duchess of York 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.
A spokesperson for the Duchess issued a statement to Page Six regarding her latest health news.
“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” the statement read.
“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.
“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.
“She 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 spirits.”
Following news of Ferguson’s latest diagnosis, an outpouring of support and heartfelt well-wishes inundated social media platforms.
Ferguson’s latest diagnosis comes after she successfully underwent surgery for breast cancer in June 2023.
The 64-year-old grandmother of three received the shocking news during a routine mammogram screening.
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.
Ferguson’s latest diagnosis comes to light as King Charles, 75, prepares for a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate this week.
On Wednesday royal officials also announced that Princess Catherine had undergone successful planned abdominal surgery and will remain in hospital for up to two weeks as she recovers.
-with Reuters.