A member of the UK royal family was diagnosed with a form of cancer during treatment for breast cancer, she confirmed.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma after several moles were removed while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, her representative told multiple news outlets. It’s not clear if it was caught early or not.
“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was,” she continued to say. “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, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent.”
The 64-year-old royal, known sometimes as “Fergie” in the UK press, is the former wife of Prince Andrew and the mother of Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. Other details about her condition were not provided.
“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,” her representative told news outlets. “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 currently getting treatment for her skin cancer in London and is recuperating at a medical resort in Australia, the representative said.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” the spokesperson added. “Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”
Last year, Sarah was diagnosed with a form of breast cancer, according to her spokesperson at the time. “Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening. She was advised she needed to undergo surgery, which has taken place successfully,” they said at the time.
The confirmation that she has melanoma came about five days after dual health announcements in Britain’s royal family. Kate, the Princess of Wales, had abdominal surgery and King Charles III is due this week to have prostate treatment.
“In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” a statement issued last week said.
As for Princess Kate, her office announced that she would remain at a private hospital in London for up to two weeks after undergoing planned abdominal surgery. The princess, formerly Kate Middleton, is the wife of Prince William, the heir to the throne.
Kate, 42, was admitted to The London Clinic last Tuesday. The princess’ office at Kensington Palace didn’t offer further details, but said her condition wasn’t cancerous. Though she has generally experienced good health, Kate was hospitalized while pregnant because of severe morning sickness.
