Inside Sarah Ferguson’s cancer battles as royal says doc spotted warning sign which led to malignant melanoma diagnosis
SARAH Ferguson revealed doctors spotted warning signs before she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer.
The Duchess of York, 64, received the shocking news just six months after she was treated at the King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, central London, for breast cancer.
Fergie, who is patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, had been symptom-free before a routine mammogram detected the disease, The Sun exclusively revealed last year.
A source at the time said: “Most people usually associate breast cancer with a lump but that’s not always the case.
“A lump can be detected by the patient, but this was a ‘shadow’, which can go undetected as it’s a wider spread of cancerous cells.
“In Sarah’s case, a biopsy was taken from the shadowy area of tissue and a few days later the results came back to confirm the diagnosis — breast cancer.”
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Following surgery, on June 23 2023, a source revealed Fergie was told the "prognosis is good" thanks to the "early detection".
The Duchess returned home to recover after six days in the hospital following her successful procedure.
And, she told friends she felt “very lucky to be alive” after the gruelling eight-hour operation.
As a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women, the mum of two said of her diagnosis: “The drive from the Royal Free Hospital, I’ll never forget because, of course, your mind goes into, ‘Oh my goodness, I’ve got to have a mastectomy’.
“And you look it up and it’s all so terrifying and this is what’s going to happen, and then [you think], ‘I’m not going to see my grandchildren grow up’.”
Fergie, who helped launch the Don’t Skip Your Screening breast cancer campaign, also said: “Mine wasn’t a lump. I had a shadow — it was like a splat.
"I was incredibly lucky. It didn’t go into the lymph nodes.”
A close source said previously: "It's been a difficult time but she is very grateful to the medical staff who carried out the mammogram and detected it early and the medical staff who looked after her these last few days, she is incredibly thankful."
However, doctors spotted worrying signs and also removed several moles during the Duchess' surgery.
Test results came back just days before Christmas and Fergie was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma.
A malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.
The Duchess has urged everyone to check the size, shape, colour, texture and emergence of new moles to catch any potential skin cancer early.
It is understood she is undergoing further investigations to ensure the melanoma has been caught in the early stages.
Fergie has since been recuperating at the high-tech MAYRLIFE Clinic in Altausee, Austria.
The state-of-the-art wellness centre has been visited by a host of celebrities including Rebel Wilson, Naomi Campbell and Karlie Kloss.
Situated in the breathtaking Alpine scenery, MAYRLIFE claims to help its clients "shed the burdens of the soul", with a strict focus on health and wellbeing.
The centre also specialises in "detoxification and purification programs that reactivate the body’s self-healing powers and strengthen the immune system".
Techniques include supplement regimes, strict dieting and even bloodletting followed by transfusions.
Since revealing the second cancer diagnosis, Fergie has thanked her well-wishers on Instagram and expressed her gratitude for the level of support.
In a statement she wrote: "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.
"Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.
"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.
"I am incredibly thankful to the medical teams that have supported me through both of these experiences with cancer and to the MAYRLIFE Clinic for taking gentle care of me in the past weeks, allowing me time for recuperation.
"I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support."
It is understood her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are in close contact with the Duchess and others members of the royal family have been in contact.
A spokesman said: "Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
“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.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.
"Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits.
"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."
Following news of Fergie's diagnosis, medical expert Dr Philippa Kaye revealed warning signs and symptoms to look out for.
The TV doctor added that it is common to have moles, and it is important to check your skin for any changes.
She advised Brits to avoid the sun in the middle of the day, sunbeds and tanning booths, warning: ";There is no such thing as a safe sun tan.
"Whatever your skin colour, protect yourself from the sun. Use a high factor SPF, broad spectrum sun cream."
Dr Kaye added: "Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer which can spread to other parts of the body.
"Although it is more common in older adults, it can occur at a younger age. The majority of cases are due to sun damage from sun exposure or sun beds. Other risk factors include having a family history of melanoma, having pale skin and getting older."
She encouraged people to use an ABCE checklist to identify any changes.
This includes Asymmetry of a mole, the Border of the mole becoming irregular, having two or more Colours, a Diameter of over 6mm or a mole that is constantly Evolving.
She warned anyone noticing these changes to see a specialist, and said: "A dermatologist is likely to examine the lesion and may take an excision biopsy where the mole, or part of the mole and surrounding tissue, is removed and examined."
If the melanoma has not spread, surgically removing the mole generally is curative.
Meanwhile, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are treatment options if it has spread.
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Almost all patients diagnosed with stage one malignant melanoma survive at least five years after diagnosis, said Dr Kaye.
Patients may alternatively be diagnosed with a non melanoma skin cancer, which are often related to sun damage and are more likely for older people and those with pale skin.
Signs of melanoma to look out for
Most experts recommend using the simple “ABCDE” rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body.
- Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape
- Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border
- Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours
- Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter
- Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma