'Could have been so much worse': Sarah Ferguson says she's in the best hands amid her skin cancer journey

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Sarah Ferguson is "in the best hands and is feeling positive" amid her skin cancer journey. The Duchess of York made the shocking revelation last month, which came just weeks after she announced that she had “beat” breast cancer. 

The 64-year-old now shared a post on Instagram on Tuesday, February 20, urging her followers to “be diligent” with their health checkups in honor of Cancer Prevention Action Week, as per Sky News. 

Sarah Ferguson said she is determined 'to help raise awareness by sharing my experience'

"I’m determined to do whatever I can to help raise awareness by sharing my experience,” Sarah who is also known by the nickname Fergie wrote, adding “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, this year and had it not been for the diligence and care of my physicians, my situation could have been so much worse.”

The former wife of Prince Andrew went on to share that she “almost put off” her routine mammogram amid a “busy 2023,” but her sister Jane “convinced” her to go to her appointment. 

“After undergoing a mastectomy and reconstruction, I could only hope that I was in the clear, which is why a new diagnosis of skin cancer came as a shock. I’m now in the best hands and feeling positive with the support of my family. Days could make the difference between life and death, so please don’t skip or put off your #healthchecks and urge your loved ones to go to theirs. Help #preventcancer. #CancerAwareness,” she added.

Sarah Ferguson on how her daughters have been supportive throughout her breast cancer journey

The Duchess previously said in November last year how supportive both her daughters, Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33, had been throughout her breast cancer journey. “My two wonderful daughters are my wholehearted cheerleaders, my devoted champions and my soulmates, and they have been as supportive as can be, as they always are,” she said. 

A friend of Fergie's also told People that Beatrice and Eugenie had "been terrific" amid their mother's breast cancer diagnosis which was announced in June, and her family had been "rallying 'round."

The Duchess had a number of moles removed 

According to a representative of The Duchess, she had a number of moles removed and analyzed by a dermatologist while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of the moles was identified as cancerous.

“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” the statement began. 

“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” the statement continued, adding “Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”

This news comes after Fergie’s diagnosis came just weeks before King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was revealed by Buckingham Palace on February 5. The statement came shortly after the monarch, 75, was admitted for treatment for an enlarged prostate at The London Clinic on January 26.

“During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the statement read in part.