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The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has received a diagnosis of a fast-growing type of skin cancer, shortly after being treated for breast cancer.
In July of last year, the duchess had an eight-hour procedure to remove her breast tissue. However, during a recent follow-up surgery, doctors discovered and removed multiple moles, one of which was determined to be cancerous melanoma.
Despite being diagnosed, the 64-year-old is reportedly maintaining a positive attitude as she undergoes additional tests to determine if the cancer has metastasized to other areas of her body.
The King is getting ready for treatment for a larger prostate, while the Princess of Wales is healing in the hospital following abdominal surgery.
The duchess’s representative announced that after being diagnosed with an initial stage of breast cancer earlier this year, Sarah, Duchess of York has now also been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
The duchess’s dermatologist requested the removal and analysis of multiple moles while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery for her mastectomy. One of these moles was found to be cancerous.
The duchess is currently undergoing additional testing to make sure that the issue was caught early on. While it’s concerning to receive another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer, she is staying positive and in good mental state.
According to reports, the duchess learned of the news shortly after Christmas while spending time with her family in Sandringham. She is currently recovering at a medical spa in Austria.
Major Ronald Ferguson, the father of the duchess, received a skin cancer diagnosis shortly before passing away from a heart attack in March 2003. The duchess also lost a friend, Carolyn Cotterell, to skin cancer in 1999.
The Duchess is an advocate for the Teenage Cancer Trust and gave a speech at an event for the Breast Cancer Foundation five years ago. Her oldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, supports the British Skin Foundation and has helped those affected by skin cancer.
After undergoing a mastectomy at the King Edward VII Hospital in London, the duchess openly discussed her diagnosis, which was discovered during a routine mammogram, and the treatment that followed.
She shared her journey on her podcast, “Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah,” where she co-hosts with her friend Sarah Jane Thompson. She described herself as fortunate that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes and encouraged other women to get checked.
In November, she was photographed having a good time at a gala dinner in London, her first outing since undergoing a mastectomy. She also served as a guest editor for an episode of This Morning during that month.
On Christmas Day, she accompanied the royal family on their customary walk to Sandringham Church.
According to reports, the duchess will receive treatment from two specialists: Dr. Andrew Furness, a medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, and Catherine Borysiewicz, a dermatologist at the King Edward VII Hospital.
The spokesperson for the duchess expressed gratitude towards the medical team that provided support, specifically her dermatologist who was diligent in detecting the illness.
“She emphasizes the significance of monitoring the size, shape, color, texture, and appearance of new moles, which can indicate melanoma.”
Source: independent.co.uk