Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time in less than a year.
The Duchess, 64, was given a diagnosis of a malignant melanoma after medics removed a mole on her body just six months after she had an operation to treat an early form of breast cancer.
A spokesperson for the Duchess said she was “distressed” at the diagnosis, which came less than a year after her single mastectomy, and as she underwent breast reconstruction surgery.
The spokesperson said: “Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer [last] 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.”
The Duchess’ representative said she is keen to ensure other people check their bodies for the potential telltale signs of cancer.
They 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.”
Her diagnosis closes a week of dramatic health revelations for the Royal Family, with representatives of King Charles III and Princess Kate having made announcements of their own.
On Wednesday, January 17, Buckingham Palace announced that the King would receive treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
His representatives said he would undergo a “corrective procedure” for the condition, with which many thousands of men are diagnosed each year, and urged people to look out for the symptoms.
Earlier the same day, it was announced that Kate, the Princess of Wales was in hospital following abdominal surgery, and would rest in bed for two weeks.
Kensington Palace said the procedure was successful as planned, and later added that she would continue to work on her royal duties from bed.
