Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with skin cancer.
In a statement, a representative for the Duchess of York, 64, says, “Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.”
Ferguson had several moles removed and analyzed by a dermatologist while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy. One of the moles was identified as cancerous.
“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,” the representative adds. “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.”
Ferguson is receiving treatment for her melanoma in London, and will recuperate at the MAYRLIFE clinic, a medical health resort in Altaussee, Austria.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” her rep said. “Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”
The Sun was the first to report the news.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Fergie then revealed that she “beat breast cancer” in a New Year’s Eve message shared on social media.
After her successful single mastectomy, Fergie maintained her signature sense of humor, revealing on her Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah podcast that she had nicknamed her reconstructed left breast “Derek.”
She added that “he’s very important because he saved my life.”
Also in the episode, the Duchess of York referenced her father, who had died of prostate cancer, and spoke about the importance of early detection.
“I don’t mind if no one wants to hear from me. Because I’m telling you that I am doing this,” she said. “I am telling people out there because I want every single person that is listening to this podcast to go get checked, go get screened and go do it.”