Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York breaks silence after skin cancer diagnosis

The Duchess of York said she was in “good spirits” and thanked supporters in an Instagram post, The Sun reported.

It comes just months after Fergie was treated for breast cancer.

Taking to the social media platform, she said: “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.

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

“Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.

“I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this 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.

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

The shocking diagnosis comes just months after the Duchess was treated for breast cancer.

Fergie, who is patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, had been symptom-free before her breast cancer was detected at a routine mammogram.

She underwent a mastectomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, on June 23 in which a breast was removed and reconstructed.

Dermatologists raised the alarm regarding the Duchess’ melanoma after removing several moles from her body while she was having reconstructive breast surgery.

Test results came through just days after Christmas and revealed one mole was malignant.

Fergie has been recuperating in Austria in the past few weeks.

A spokesman said: “Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

“Her dermatologist asked that several moles were 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.

“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.

“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits,” the spokesman added.

“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.

“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.”

This article was originally published in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.