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CANCER SHOCK
Sarah Ferguson’s statement in full after skin cancer diagnoses as duchess ‘in good spirits’ after ‘distressing’ month
The Duchess is still undergoing further tests, too
SARAH Ferguson has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer but remains "in good spirits".
The Duchess of York's health scare has seen her forced to navigate through a "distressing" month.
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Medical experts removed a mole last year, which tested as a malignant melanoma - which is the most serious form of skin cancer.
The diagnosis comes just months after she was treated for breast cancer.
Here is the 64-year-old's statement in full.
A spokesman said: "Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
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“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.
"Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits.
"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.
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"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."
Fergie was today described as "in good spirits" but finding a second cancer diagnosis within six months as "distressing".
Dermatologists raised the alarm after removing several moles from her body while having reconstructive breast surgery last year.
Tests which came through just days after Christmas revealed one mole was malignant.
The Duchess of York has been recuperating in Austria in the past few weeks.
Signs of skin cancer to look out for
MEDICAL expert Dr Philippa Kaye has revealed what to look out for following Fergie's shock skin cancer diagnosis.
The TV doctor added that it is common to have moles and it is important to check your skin for any changes.
And she urged Brits to avoid the sun in the middle of the day, sunbeds and tanning booths, warning: "There is no such thing as a safe sun tan.
"Whatever your skin colour, protect yourself from the sun. Use a high factor SPF, broad spectrum sun cream."
Dr Kaye added: "Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer which can spread to other parts of the body.
"Although it is more common in older adults, it can occur at a younger age. The majority of cases are due to sun damage from sun exposure or sun beds. Other risk factors include having a family history of melanoma, having pale skin and getting older."
She encouraged people to use an ABCE checklist to identify any changes. This includes Asymmetry of a mole, the Border of the mole becoming irregular, having two or more Colours, a Diameter of over 6mm or a mole that is constantly Evolving.
She urged anyone noticing these changes to see a specialist, adding: "A dermatologist is likely to examine the lesion and may take an excision biopsy where the mole, or part of the mole and surrounding tissue, is removed and examined."
If the melanoma has not spread, surgically removing the mole generally is curative. If it has spread, then treatment can include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Almost all patients diagnosed with stage one malignant melanoma survive at least five years after diagnosis, she said.
Patients may alternatively be diagnosed with a non melanoma skin cancer, which are often related to sun damage and are more likely for older people and those with pale skin.
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