Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The diagnosis was made after Ferguson had several moles removed while being treated for breast cancer in June, the UK Press Association (PA) reported on Sunday, citing a spokesperson for the duchess.
“Following her diagnosis of an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” the spokesperson said. “Her dermatologist asked for several moles to be removed and analyzed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery after her mastectomy, and one of them has been identified as cancerous.”
Ferguson, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 after a routine mammogram and underwent surgery.
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing for the duchess,” the spokesperson added.
Ferguson is said to be recovering at home, surrounded by her family, and remains in “good spirits”, PA reported.
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in the cells that give the skin its color, or melanin. It is considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. The risk factors for melanoma include sun exposure, particularly intermittent sun exposure such as weekend sunbathing, light skin, freckles, burns, and having many moles and/or irregularly shaped moles.
The duchess’s spokesperson thanked the medical team for their support and emphasized the importance of regularly checking moles for signs of melanoma. “She believes her experience underscores the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and appearance of new moles that may be a sign of melanoma,” the spokesperson said.