2024-01-22 05:39:00
(CNN) — Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, the UK Press Association (PA) reported on Sunday, citing a spokesperson for Ferguson.
The disease was discovered following she had several moles removed when she was treated for breast cancer in June, PA said.
“Following her diagnosis of an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” a Ferguson spokesperson said.
“Her dermatologist asked for several moles to be removed and analyzed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of them has been identified as cancerous.”
Ferguson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 following a routine mammogram and underwent surgery.
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon following treatment for breast cancer has been distressing” for the duchess, the spokesperson added.
The 64-year-old is said to be recovering at home, surrounded by her family, and remains in “good spirits”, PA reported.
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in the cells that give the skin its color, or melanin. It is considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
It sometimes starts as a new, small, mole-like growth, or develops from an existing mole.
Sun exposure is the main risk factor in all types of skin cancer, but only intermittent sun exposure, such as weekend sunbathing, may be necessary to increase the risk of developing melanoma.
The risk also increases in people who have light skin, freckles, or burns. Additionally, people who have many moles and/or irregularly shaped moles are at greater risk.
“The Duchess would like to thank the entire medical team who has supported her, particularly her dermatologist, whose vigilance ensured that the disease was detected when it was,” her spokesperson said.
“She believes her experience underscores the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and appearance of new moles that may be a sign of melanoma,” she added.
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