One day after news broke that Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with skin cancer, the Duchess of York herself has shared her thoughts and feelings about the "shock" diagnosis with her fans.
Despite the obvious fear her health update has caused, the duchess was characteristically philosophical in her reflection.
"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. It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was," the A Most Intriguing Lady author wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself posing makeup-free during a mountain getaway.
"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 continued.
"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."
The duchess went on to express her gratitude to her medical teams throughout her two diagnoses. "I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support," she concluded.
Among the commenters was Naomi Campbell, who wrote, "Praying for recovery seeming [sic] love"
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie)
A photo posted by sarahferguson15 on
In June 2023, a representative for Fergie shared that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and that she had received a successful surgery to treat the disease. The duchess went on to turn her difficult experience into a good deed, using her platform to encourage women everywhere to be vigilant and check their breasts often.
In an awful turn of events, the Duchess of York is the third prominent member of the Royal Family to share adverse news about their health in the space of just a few days.
Last week, Kate, the Princess of Wales, was admitted to hospital for a planned abdominal surgery, while the same day King Charles announced he would be treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate this week.
Wishing all three royals a swift and complete recovery.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Rihanna Drops a Not-So-Subtle Hint at Her 2024 Met Gala Fashion Plans
"I'm actually keeping it really simple this year."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Here's Why Kate Middleton Broke Tradition and Released Prince Louis' Birthday Photo Late
In the past, the Princess of Wales has shared her children's birthday photos right away.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Kristen Bell Says Husband Dax Shepard Recorded Her "On Laughing Gas"
"I'd expect nothing less."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Could the Next Royal Wedding Be Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Part 2?
The Duke and Duchess of York married in 1986 and divorced 10 years later—but have remained famously close, even living together up to the present day.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
There’s Likely a Poignant Reason the Women of the Royal Family Color Coordinated in Green at Yesterday’s Easter Service
And it has to do with Princess Kate.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Reveals Skin Cancer Diagnosis Just Weeks After Announcing She “Beat Breast Cancer”
The royal family can’t catch a break this week.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Sarah Ferguson Is Potentially On the Cusp of a New Gig: Morning Show Host
The odds of this happening seem stacked in her favor.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Sarah Ferguson, Who Once Cameo'd on 'Friends,' Shares Moving Tribute to Matthew Perry
She recalled the impression he made on her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Ferguson Was Supposed to Be on the 101st Floor of the World Trade Center the Morning of September 11, 2001
New York City traffic, of all things, potentially saved her life.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Sarah Ferguson Pays Tribute to the Late Queen With New Photo of Her Corgis Muick and Sandy
They're. So. Cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Only After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Did Sarah Ferguson Stop Comparing Herself to Late Sister-in-Law Princess Diana
“I didn’t like myself and that was because, I think, I was always compared to Diana.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published