Duchess of York breaks silence amid latest cancer fight
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Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has recently shared her personal battle with cancer, not once, but twice within a year.
The Duchess, known affectionately as Fergie, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, just months after her treatment for breast cancer.
In a heartfelt social media post, Fergie expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and emphasised the importance of regular health checks.
She wrote, '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.'
The Duchess’s ordeal began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram.
She underwent a mastectomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, on June 23, where a breast was removed and reconstructed.
During the reconstructive surgery, dermatologists removed several moles from her body, one of which was later revealed to be a malignant melanoma.
‘It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was,’ Fergie added.
‘Naturally, another cancer diagnosis has been a shock, but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support,’ she said.
The Duchess urged her followers to be diligent about their health, saying, '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.'
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
It is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with around 16,200 new melanoma skin cancer cases every year. The primary cause of malignant melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds.
On the other hand, melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia. On average, one person in Australia is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes.
The first sign of melanoma is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.
Normal moles are usually round or oval, with a smooth edge, and no bigger than 6mm in diameter. But size isn't a sure sign of melanoma. A healthy mole can be larger than 6mm in diameter, and a cancerous mole can be smaller.
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but it's most common in women on the legs and men on the back.
Despite the shock of a second cancer diagnosis within a year, Fergie remains positive and thankful for the medical teams that have supported her. She is resting at home with her family, feeling blessed to have their love and support.
A spokesman for the Duchess said, 'Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits. 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.'
We wish the Duchess a speedy recovery and commend her for using her platform to raise awareness about these critical health issues.
Have you had a similar experience, or know someone who has? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below.
The Duchess, known affectionately as Fergie, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, just months after her treatment for breast cancer.
In a heartfelt social media post, Fergie expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and emphasised the importance of regular health checks.
She wrote, '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.'
Fergie expressed her gratitude for the support and emphasised the importance of regular health checks. Source: @sarahferguson15/Instagram
The Duchess’s ordeal began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram.
She underwent a mastectomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, on June 23, where a breast was removed and reconstructed.
During the reconstructive surgery, dermatologists removed several moles from her body, one of which was later revealed to be a malignant melanoma.
‘It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was,’ Fergie added.
‘Naturally, another cancer diagnosis has been a shock, but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support,’ she said.
The Duchess urged her followers to be diligent about their health, saying, '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.'
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
It is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with around 16,200 new melanoma skin cancer cases every year. The primary cause of malignant melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds.
On the other hand, melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia. On average, one person in Australia is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes.
The first sign of melanoma is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.
Normal moles are usually round or oval, with a smooth edge, and no bigger than 6mm in diameter. But size isn't a sure sign of melanoma. A healthy mole can be larger than 6mm in diameter, and a cancerous mole can be smaller.
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but it's most common in women on the legs and men on the back.
Despite the shock of a second cancer diagnosis within a year, Fergie remains positive and thankful for the medical teams that have supported her. She is resting at home with her family, feeling blessed to have their love and support.
A spokesman for the Duchess said, 'Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits. 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.'
We wish the Duchess a speedy recovery and commend her for using her platform to raise awareness about these critical health issues.
Have you had a similar experience, or know someone who has? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below.
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