Sarah Ferguson Shares Major Health Update Following Cancer Diagnosis

Just a few months after discussing her battle with breast cancer, Sarah Ferguson revealed that she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma—and she has since been quite vocal about her health journey. For example, in honor of Cancer Prevention Action Week, she opened up about her life-changing checkup and encouraged fans to prioritize their health. Then, following the news of King Charles and Kate Middleton's cancer battles, Fergie revealed how she and the royal family found comfort and support in a difficult time. And now, the royal is sharing a candid update on her diagnosis.

While the Duchess of York, 65, opened up about her decision to join actress Sally Dynevoras as patron of the charity Prevent Breast Cancer, she discussed the impact of her routine check-up and shared an encouraging update. She told Hello! magazine, "I'm only standing here today thanks to a routine mammogram appointment that I almost missed. It's really important that we all go for our regular screening and that we're breast-aware and get any changes or lumps checked quickly."

She continued, "I'm not out of the woods—I'm reconciled to the fact that I'll need to have checks for the rest of my life—but thanks to my mammogram and the treatment I underwent, my prognosis is good."

Ferguson continued, "When you're told you have cancer, you can't help thinking it's a death sentence. But there is help, treatment and support out there and in my case fortunately that doesn't look like coming true." 

If you recall, the duchess took to Instagram in October to announce her new patronage and wrote, "Today, I’m honored to be joining a wonderful charity, Prevent Breast Cancer, as patron, and will be doing all that I can to help spread the word about the importance of early detection. @preventbreastcancer uses science to save lives and is the UK’s only charity dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer."

Fergie also candidly addressed how her experience took a mental and emotional toll, adding, "One cancer diagnosis was bad enough but to go through all those emotions twice in such quick succession was a lot to handle...So, when I was introduced to the charity by the brilliant @sallydynevor, who is also a breast cancer survivor, when we co-hosted ITV’s Loose Women, I fully understood the importance of the message they’re aiming to spread as it was early detection that saved my life, and I’m now more determined than ever to help raise awareness on that."