Fergie opens up about her ‘shock’ of receiving a second cancer diagnosis in a year after malignant melanoma discovery

Sarah Ferguson has told fans about her “shock” of receiving a second cancer diagnosis in less than a year, as she stressed the importance of being proactive with skin checks.

The Duchess of York has opened up about her latest health battle after a malignant melanoma was discovered during her mastectomy following a separate breast cancer diagnosis. 

Her dermatologist found the melanoma while analysing several moles that were removed during the procedure last June.

The 64-year-old took to social media on Monday, local time, to provide her 680,000 followers with an update on her condition. 

“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,” she wrote on Instagram. 

“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.”

Fergie shared a message to fans, emphasising the need to be “diligent” with checking for any new moles or spots that look unusual. 

“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,” she said. 

She said she was “incredibly thankful to the medical teams” that supported her through both her experiences with cancer, with a special mention to Mayrlife Clinic in Austria.

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

The former working royal’s social media post was flooded with messages of support, wishing her a speedy recovery. 

“God bless you and thank you for sharing the importance of a mole,” one person said. 

“Wishing you a speedy recovery Sarah,” another commented. 

“We love and support you, praying for your health and recovery. You got this,” a third added. 

A spokesperson for Fergie revealed the skin cancer diagnosis earlier this week.  

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

“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.

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

Fergie was formerly married to Prince Andrew, a younger brother of King Charles. 

The pair divorced in 1996 and share two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.