Sarah Ferguson, 64, breaks silence after 'shock' diagnosis: 'Feeling blessed'

The Duchess of York thanked her followers for their support and shared an update on her health.

Sarah Ferguson has spoken out after it was revealed that she has been diagnosed with skin cancer just a few months after being treated for breast cancer.

The Duchess of York, 64, who recently spent time recovering at a luxury clinic in Austria, took to Instagram on Monday evening to thank her followers for their support.

She shared that while another cancer diagnosis has been “a shock”, she is “in good spirits” and grateful for the well wishes.

Sarah Ferguson.
Sarah Ferguson has broken her silence after it was revealed that she had been diagnosed with skin cancer. Photo: Getty

“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,” she wrote.

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“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was.”

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The mother-of-two went on to say that she believes her experience highlights just how important it is to check the size, shape, colour, texture and emergence of new moles that could be cancerous, and urged her followers 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,” she added.

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“I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.”

The Duchess first discovered that she had skin cancer after she had several moles removed from her body upon instruction from her dermatologist, with one being identified as a malignant melanoma.

The detection came at the same time as she was undergoing breast reconstructive surgery after being diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer in June and having a single mastectomy.

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Sarah’s shock diagnosis comes just a few days after it was revealed that both King Charles and Kate Middleton were undergoing medical procedures.

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Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that King Charles would be in hospital for a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate this week.

Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales had a planned procedure last Tuesday and is said to be “doing well” following a successful abdominal surgery.

The health updates came within 90 minutes of each other and will likely mean both senior royals will be out of action for the next few weeks at least. William and Kate are also unlikely to travel internationally in the coming months.

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