The Duchess has spoken following the news she has skin cancer, just months after she had a mastectomy as treatment for breast cancer.
The 64-year old, mother to daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with ex-husband Prince Andrew, took to her Instagram to share her thoughts, saying she had been ‘taking some time’ after learning of the news.
Her personal message revealed her shock over the news she had malignant melanoma, as well as her thanks to the medical staff involved with her care.
“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,” she wrote.
Underlining the importance of regular checks, she says the skin cancer was picked up by a skin expert.
“It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was,” she shared.
“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 used the opportunity to encourage others to remain ‘diligent’ about checking for the signs of skin cancer.
“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.”
Thanking those involved in her care she concluded by saying she was grateful to have her family by her side.
“I am resting with family at home now, feeling blessed to have their love and support.”
In June last year, the Duchess recalled how she felt a “little bit wobbly” when she was admitted to the critical care unit at London’s King Edward VII Hospital for her eight-hour mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery.
She said: “As we know I went in for a mammogram and he didn’t like what he saw. He saw a shadow.
“Then from there, I then went to the Royal Free [Hospital]. Then pathology came back a few days later. Of course your mind is already racing in every direction.
“When I walked in to King Edward VII Hospital on the day I walked right into critical care. And that made me a little bit wobbly.”
During her breast cancer treatment, the Duchess had some moles removed, which returned the second cancer diagnosis.
It’s believed that Ferguson is currently in an investigation phase to ensure that doctors have a good understanding of how advanced the cancer is.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” her spokesperson told Sky News.
“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the duchess remains in good spirits.”
The news of the Duchess’ illness adds to a growing list of medical difficulties happening concurrently within the British royal family. The Princess of Wales in currently recovering in hospital after abdominal surgery last week, and the King of England is having surgery on his enlarged prostate this week.
While Kensington Palace have remained tight lipped about why Middleton underwent abdominal surgery, it’s believed that the King was open about his health condition to try to encourage more men to get checked if they are experiencing symptoms.
