Sarah Ferguson worries about Beatrice and Eugenie ‘all the time’ and compares cancer diagnosis to ‘a bomb going off’
SARAH Ferguson has opened up about her double cancer diagnosis, admitting that it was like ‘a bomb going off.’
The Duchess of York was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer a year ago, just six months after being treated for breast cancer.
She underwent a single mastectomy in the summer of 2023 and the following year medics removed a mole on her body which tested as a malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Sarah, 65, has now opened up about the devastating impact the double diagnosis had.
“I’m generally a positive person but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life,” she told The Times.
“I don’t mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality.”
The mum-of-two has been vocal in her appreciation of her family’s support through her treatment, however she admits that while they may have been concerned about her, her worries were with her two daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
She says: “You worry about them (children) all the time, I still do now, when they’re adults.”
While the Duchess has faced incredible challenges over the past couple of years, it seems she is determined to approach 2025 with optimism as she recently conveyed in an Instagram reel.
In the heartfelt clip, Sarah reflected on her journey toward mindfulness and mental wellness, sharing how 2024 has brought her peace and joy.
“I’ve truly found real joy and peace,” she said in the video.
“It wasn’t cancer that spurred me to take the shackles off my heart – it was mindfulness and mental wellness.
“I began exploring ways to nurture my heart and soul, and discovered an incredible app called Zoul, spelled Z-O-U-L, that offers various tools for mindfulness and well-being.”
Sarah went on to explain further in the caption of the video: “As we reflect on the year gone by and the one that lies ahead, I know 2024 has been a challenging time for many.
“In my life, I was diagnosed with skin cancer and breast cancer.
“I’m not ashamed to say that it’s been tough. Sometimes, all of us are overwhelmed by loneliness, anxiety, or sleeplessness.
“So this year, I decided to seek out tools that can help with healthfulness, wellness, and peacefulness.”
The Duchess was hit with her shock skin cancer scare just six months after she was treated for breast cancer.
A spokesman for Sarah, Duchess of York said at the time: “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.”
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
“If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ,” the NHS says.
“Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.”
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 54 to 74, with the programme gradually expanding to those 50-plus after The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign.
Currently, those aged 54 to 74 are automatically sent an at-home test kit every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The at-home test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Source: NHS
The brave Duchess is also said to have remained in “good spirits” following the health scare.
A spokesman for the royal, said: “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.”
The Duchess was being treated by Dr Andrew Furness, consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the King Edward VII Hospital in London.