Where health often takes a backseat to the hustle and bustle of daily life, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has poignantly reminded her followers of the importance of self-care and vigilance.

On a day that marks global awareness for health, World Health Day, the Duchess took to her social media to share a message that resonated deeply, especially within the Royal Family, which recently faced a series of health challenges.

'Today on #WorldHealthDay, I would like to remind anyone who may be reading this to check in with yourself,' the Duchess wrote on her post.

'Check in on your state of mind and check in on your body. Go to your routine health check. Make that walk. Read a book. Your body and mind are a priority. Make sure to show them love.'

The Duchess of York shared a gentle reminder for everyone on World Health Day. Credit: @sarahferguson15 / Instagram

Accompanying her heartfelt message was a portrait captured by the talented New York City-based fashion photographer and documentary filmmaker Christopher Paul Horne.

The image, a snapshot from May 2023, predated the public revelation of her battle with breast cancer, which she disclosed in June of the same year.

The Duchess's diagnosis came to light following a routine mammogram that detected a tumour in her left breast.

Her journey through treatment was significant, involving surgery to remove the cancer, a single mastectomy, and subsequent reconstruction surgery.

In a candid moment on her podcast, Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah, she even shared a light-hearted anecdote about naming her reconstructed breast Derek.

‘On my left, he's called Derek…and he's very important because he saved my life,’ she explained.

‘It just made me laugh that I have now a friend who's with me all the time, who's protecting me with his shield of armour.’

Sarah Ferguson's revelation comes amid a trend within the Royal Family.

In the past 12 months, three royals have been diagnosed with cancer.

King Charles III went public with his diagnosis in February, while Catherine, the Princess of Wales, maintained privacy regarding her health until recently. After a noticeable absence from the public eye, which was attributed to 'planned abdominal surgery,' the Princess of Wales disclosed her diagnosis in March, following much speculation.

The Duchess of York's public support for Catherine was immediate and heartfelt.

'All my thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales as she starts her treatment,' she expressed.

Key Takeaways

• The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has shared a poignant health message on World Health Day, urging people to be vigilant with their health checks and self-care.
• Sarah disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis, received after a tumour was found during a routine mammogram, and detailed her subsequent treatments, including surgery and reconstruction.
• The Duchess humorously named her reconstructed breast 'Derek', attributing a sense of protection and companionship to her experience.
• Sarah Ferguson mentioned the recent cancer diagnoses of King Charles III and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, showing support for the latter as she begins treatment.

What do you think about this story, members? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Dougy55]

Regular checks are important, I particularly urge everyone to have the checks done,as On Monday last I underwent surgery to remove skin cancers and the surgeon discovered one that had not been seen.Do I urge everyone to get checked as even the smallest of changes may become dangerous. My heart goes out to the Princess of Wales and I wish her a speedy recovery!.

 

[TrishBin]

The Duchess of York has always been a kind person. She loves her daughters and ex-husband deeply and has quietly undergone treatment for both breast cancer and more recently melanoma. May she survive these twin attacks from cancer and continue being her happy self.

 

[starrysnan]

The Duchess of York has reminded us all of a very important thing which is to look after our health, get regular checkups and if something is not quite right we should see our doctor. I was fortunate to have a good doctor who although my symptoms were a bit vague decided to have some tests done and discovered I had a non Hodgkins lymphoma in the bowel. As it was caught early here I am 17 years later to tell the tale.