Sarah Ferguson diagnosed with 'aggressive' skin cancer just months after treatment for breast cancer

21 January 2024, 18:22 | Updated: 21 January 2024, 20:08

Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer, just months after being treated for breast cancer.

Doctors removed a mole on her body which was later identified as a cancerous malignant melanoma.

A melanoma is considered the most serious forms of skin cancer and can spread to other areas of the body.

It comes just months after the 64-year-old - the former wife of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York - underwent treatment for breast cancer. Doctors carried out an eight-hour single mastectomy operation and reconstruction on the duchess.

The Duchess of York was said to be in "good spirits", The Sun reported, but is understandably "distressed" after being diagnosed with cancer for a second time within six months.

Medical professionals raised concerns after removing several moles from her body during a reconstructive breast surgery last year.

One of the moles tested as a malignant melanoma. The concerning results came just days after Christmas.

It is hoped that the mole was found early enough before further health problems could ensue, but the duchess will still undergo testing to investigate whether the cancer has spread.

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The duchess has since been recovering in Austria as she works towards getting back on her feet.

Her spokesperson said the duchess' "dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed" while he 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 spokesperson reiterated that the duchess' experience highlighted the "importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma"

They said that the duchess also wanted to thank her medical team, who are thought to be from the King Edward VII Hospital in London.

It comes amid two other health concerns for the Royal Family which has seen the Princess of Wales hospitalised after abdominal surgery and King Charles set to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate this week.

Kate expected to return to royal duties after Easter, but is set to 'work from bed' as she remains in hospital for another week.

Following her surgery, William was seen visiting her at the London Clinic on Thursday. She is said to be "doing well".