Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, while undergoing treatment for her breast cancer.
The malignant melanoma was discovered during a mole removal. However, the Duchess of York is reportedly “very relieved” after receiving promising news, learning that her skin cancer has not spread.
“This is the best news she could have on it at this stage,” a friend told PEOPLE.
Just weeks ago, the Duchess of York attended the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church before her skin cancer diagnosis.
(Credit: Getty)“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” Fergie’s spokesperson shared when her skin cancer diagnosis was first announced.
“Her dermatologist asked that several moles be removed and analysed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.”
Her spokesperson assured that the Duchess remains in high spirits despite the diagnosis being ‘distressing’ for her. After taking the time to process the news – in consideration to it being her second cancer diagnosis within a year – Sarah has spoken out on social media.
The Duchess was extremely close with Princess Diana and even opened up on what she believes Diana would have thought about Kate.
(Credit: Getty)“Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support,” she wrote.
“I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.”
Sarah underwent surgery for her breast cancer last year and was treated at the private King Edward VII’s hospital in London, which has treated the royal family for decades.
She has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust for years and even spoke at the Breast Cancer Foundation’s gala in 2019.
In 2021, the Duchess visited a clinic in Poland to address the issue of women recovering after mastectomies.
According to a study conducted by Clinical Breast Cancer, one in four women with breast cancer have symptoms of depression after a mastectomy.
The news of Sarah’s skin cancer comes just days after the palace revealed that King Charles was due to attend hospital for treatment of an enlarged prostate and that Princess Kate was recovering in hospital after an abdominal surgery.
