Sarah Ferguson is experiencing another set back in her health journey.
On Sunday, multiple outlets reported that the Duchess of York was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Ferguson’s diagnosis came after a series of moles were removed from her body when she was undergoing reconstructive surgery, following her mastectomy.
In a statement via People, from Ferguson’s representative, the duchess thanked the medical staff and the dermatologist who identified and detected the illness.
“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma,” the statement read.
The rep for Ferguson, 64, said that she finds the news of her skin cancer “distressing.”
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits,” the rep said.
The news of Ferguson’s skin cancer comes six months after she revealed she was treated for her breast cancer diagnosis.
In June, Ferguson’s rep released a statement sharing the news.
“Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening. She was advised she needed to undergo surgery, which has taken place successfully,” the statement said. “The Duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family. The Duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days.”
The statement continued, “She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom-free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening.”
The following month, Ferguson revealed that she underwent an eight hour mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
Ferguson’s news comes on the heels of a week of health concerns in the royal family. On Wednesday, Kensington Palace announced that Kate Middleton was recovering from a planned abdominal surgery and would likely be in the hospital for 10 to 14 days followed by a lengthy recovery period back at home.
The same day, Buckingham Palace shared that King Charles III would be seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate.
“His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure, the statement said. “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
