Sarah Ferguson's battle with cancer changed her relationship with food: ‘Don’t wait to be cut open’
- Replies 15
Content Warning: This article contains mentions of binge eating addiction, which may be distressing or triggering for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has recently opened up about a deeply personal struggle—the challenge of overcoming an addiction.
In her case, it was a battle with binge eating that had gripped her since she was a young girl.
However, it was her harrowing experience with cancer that became the unexpected catalyst for change, leading her to a newfound freedom and a healthier relationship with food.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Ferguson shared the profound impact her breast cancer diagnosis had on her life.
The Royal Family member underwent a single mastectomy, and during reconstructive breast surgery, doctors discovered malignant melanomas.
This health scare was a wake-up call that prompted her to confront her long-standing issues with food.
‘My melanoma scars, the scars of my cancer, it took me being literally carved up to cut away the addictions of self-doubt and self-judgment that I have lived with since the age of 11,’ the Duchess of York said.
'Don’t wait to be cut open in order to cut away the addiction. My addiction was my addiction to food.’
'So I ate to compensate for my feeling. It started at 11, my whole world was food, and my life was in the corner on the bottom right hand side.'
The Duchess's sister, Jane, who resides on the New South Wales Central Coast, played a pivotal role in her journey to diagnosis and recovery.
It was Jane's persistent encouragement that led Ferguson to attend a routine mammogram, which ultimately led to the discovery of her cancer.
This life-altering event forced Ferguson to re-evaluate her priorities and her relationship with food.
'When I got cancer, I put my life back in the middle and food back in its rightful place, not intentionally. It just happened because I realised that I was eating instead of living. At 65, I’m now free of the shackles of unworthiness and self-doubt,' she said.
'I am a badass grandmother with a sense of purpose, a badass grandmother, a sexy, sappy, badass grandmother.'
In addition to her personal growth, Ferguson has found a way to give back by becoming an official patron for Prevent Breast Cancer, which she described as ‘an incredible organisation that is dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer.
As she celebrated her 65th birthday, surrounded by her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and her grandchildren, Ferguson's family is a source of joy and pride.
Her daughters have publicly expressed their admiration for their mother, with Eugenie sharing a heartfelt birthday tribute on social media.
‘Happy birthday to my beautiful mumma. So proud of the Grannie you are, the mum you are and the woman you are,’ she wrote.
'You're an inspiration, and our endless chats bring me so much happiness and incredible support.'
While Sarah Ferguson has been advised against using the term 'cancer-free,' she has shared that her treatment has been successful, and tests show no signs of spread or recurrence.
Have you or someone you know faced a health scare that led to a significant lifestyle change? How did you find the strength to overcome your struggles? Share your stories and insights in the comments below.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has recently opened up about a deeply personal struggle—the challenge of overcoming an addiction.
In her case, it was a battle with binge eating that had gripped her since she was a young girl.
However, it was her harrowing experience with cancer that became the unexpected catalyst for change, leading her to a newfound freedom and a healthier relationship with food.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Ferguson shared the profound impact her breast cancer diagnosis had on her life.
The Royal Family member underwent a single mastectomy, and during reconstructive breast surgery, doctors discovered malignant melanomas.
This health scare was a wake-up call that prompted her to confront her long-standing issues with food.
Sarah Ferguson shared how her cancer changed her relationship with food. Credit: @sarahferguson15 / Instagram
‘My melanoma scars, the scars of my cancer, it took me being literally carved up to cut away the addictions of self-doubt and self-judgment that I have lived with since the age of 11,’ the Duchess of York said.
'Don’t wait to be cut open in order to cut away the addiction. My addiction was my addiction to food.’
'So I ate to compensate for my feeling. It started at 11, my whole world was food, and my life was in the corner on the bottom right hand side.'
The Duchess's sister, Jane, who resides on the New South Wales Central Coast, played a pivotal role in her journey to diagnosis and recovery.
It was Jane's persistent encouragement that led Ferguson to attend a routine mammogram, which ultimately led to the discovery of her cancer.
This life-altering event forced Ferguson to re-evaluate her priorities and her relationship with food.
'When I got cancer, I put my life back in the middle and food back in its rightful place, not intentionally. It just happened because I realised that I was eating instead of living. At 65, I’m now free of the shackles of unworthiness and self-doubt,' she said.
'I am a badass grandmother with a sense of purpose, a badass grandmother, a sexy, sappy, badass grandmother.'
In addition to her personal growth, Ferguson has found a way to give back by becoming an official patron for Prevent Breast Cancer, which she described as ‘an incredible organisation that is dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer.
As she celebrated her 65th birthday, surrounded by her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and her grandchildren, Ferguson's family is a source of joy and pride.
Her daughters have publicly expressed their admiration for their mother, with Eugenie sharing a heartfelt birthday tribute on social media.
‘Happy birthday to my beautiful mumma. So proud of the Grannie you are, the mum you are and the woman you are,’ she wrote.
'You're an inspiration, and our endless chats bring me so much happiness and incredible support.'
While Sarah Ferguson has been advised against using the term 'cancer-free,' she has shared that her treatment has been successful, and tests show no signs of spread or recurrence.
.png){kind=icon}
