Less than a month after sharing that she “beat breast cancer,” Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York has been diagnosed with skin cancer.
A representative for the British royal confirmed her skin cancer diagnosis in a statement to TODAY.com Jan. 21.
“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” the 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.”
The spokesperson added that the 64-year-old duchess will have more examinations to determine if the melanoma was “caught in the early stages.”
Despite the frightening health update, the spokesperson said Ferguson is in “good spirits.”
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the duchess remains in good spirits,” the rep said.
“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. 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,” the statement concluded.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma usually appears on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the arms, face, back and legs, according to the Mayo Clinic. The exact cause of the cancer hasn’t been determined, but ultraviolet light, which can come from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds, can increase risk.
“Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light,” the clinic said.
According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma occurs when melanocytes, the top layers of the skin, grow out of control.
Although melanoma is less common than other types of skin…
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