Duchess Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew's Ex-Wife, Battles Skin Cancer

The Duchess of York and former wife of Prince Andrew has been diagnosed with skin cancer only a few months after she underwent surgery for a breast tumour. Sarah Ferguson's spokesperson told the media in a statement that the melanoma was discovered following the removal of a mole during her treatment for breast cancer. She reportedly had several moles removed and analysed during the surgery. According to BBC, Ferguson said that although she is shocked to hear of the diagnosis, she continues to be in good spirits.

The Duchess of York took to Instagram to respond to supportive messages from her followers. "I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. I am grateful for the many messages of love and support," she said. 

Sarah Ferguson Diagnosed With Skin Cancer

Duchess Sarah Ferguson's spokesperson spoke about the toll of ill health that she has been facing in the past year. "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 said in an Instagram post.

Her spokesperson told the media about how the cancer was detected. "Her dermatologist asked that several moles be removed and analysed at the same time, as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy. One of these has been identified as cancerous. She was undergoing further investigations to ensure this had been caught in the early stages," they said.

Speaking about the importance of regular testing, the spokesperson said, "She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma." About six months ago, Ferguson was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram screening.

She then urged women to get checked and raised awareness about women's health through her podcast. She underwent a single mastectomy at King Edward VII Hospital in London, a private clinic trusted by the royals. According to BBC, the Duchess was recovering in Austria after her breast surgery but is back in the UK since the melanoma diagnosis. 

Last week, Kate Middleton also underwent an abdominal surgery for an undisclosed diagnosis. King Charles III also had to go under the knife for enlarged prostates. The royal family has been seeing a rough couple of weeks as several members have been gripped by ill health. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson's ex-husband, has been caught up in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.