Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has issued a heartfelt statement after it was revealed that she was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
In a heartbreaking twist, this recent comes just weeks after she had announced that she had "beat" breast cancer.
A spokesperson for the Duchess confirmed the news over the weekend, telling PEOPLE: "Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma."
Now, the royal has revealed that she is taking some time for herself.
Writing in an Instagram post on Monday (January 22), the Duchess of York shared an image of her smiling on a bridge and told her 640,000+ followers: "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," Fergie continued. "Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support."
The 64-year-old then shared advice to her fans and highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant when it comes to one's body. "I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color, and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent," she added.
She concluded the post by expressing her gratitude to the medical staff who have treated her through both battles, adding: "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."
Per PEOPLE, a dermatologist examined several of Ferguson's moles after she underwent reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy.
The spokesperson praised the vigilance of the medical team, saying: "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."
The Duchess of York is currently receiving treatment for her melanoma in London and has taken some time to recuperate at the MAYRLIFE clinic, a medical health resort in Altaussee, Austria. Her representative noted: "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."
We wish Fergie the very best on her continued health journey.
