Sarah, Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with skin cancer
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Sarah Ferguson said she was in “good spirits” as she broke her silence after it was revealed she is battling an aggressive form of skin cancer.
In an Instagram post, the Duchess of York said she had “taken some time for herself” at her home in Austria following the diagnosis – which came just months after announcing she had breast cancer.
“Of course, another cancer diagnosis was a shock, but I am in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support,” she wrote.
The malignant melanoma was discovered after her dermatologist requested that several moles be examined at the same time while the Duchess underwent reconstructive surgery.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales has been in hospital since Tuesday while recovering from successful abdominal surgery in the London clinic.
She is said to be “fine,” but will remain in the hospital for a few more days and will probably not resume her official duties until after Easter.
As a result, the future queen will have to stay away from some events she normally supports, including Children's Mental Health Week, the BAFTAs and the Commonwealth Day service.
Important points
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How often should we get checked?
There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should be examined by a primary care doctor or dermatologist.
“It depends on your personal risk factors, such as your skin type, family history, sun exposure and number of moles. Some people may need to be checked more frequently than others. If you are concerned about your risk of melanoma, talk to your primary care doctor. They can advise you on how often you should get checked and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary,” said Doctor Zulqarnain Shah.
An example of what melanoma might look like
(NHS)
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What should we do if we notice something worrying?
“If you notice signs of melanoma or unusual changes in your skin, don’t ignore them or wait for them to go away. See your family doctor as soon as possible,” added Doctor Shah.
“They will examine your skin and ask you some questions about your symptoms and medical history. You can also take a photo of your mole or spot and send it to a dermatologist for further evaluation. If your GP thinks you may have melanoma, they will urgently refer you, usually within two weeks, to a dermatologist who will confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you.”
Sarah, Duchess of York (Jonathan Brady/PA)
(PA archive)
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How should we check our skin?
You should check your skin regularly, ideally at least once a month.
“The easiest way to do this is to use a mirror or ask someone to help you check hard-to-see areas such as the back, scalp, ears and genitals. Keep an eye out for new or changing moles or spots on your skin and follow the ABCDE checklist. If you notice anything unusual, contact your primary care doctor as soon as possible,” said doctor Zulqarnain Shah.
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Lydia Patrick23. January 2024 04:15
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What are the signs of melanoma?
Dr. Zulqarnain Shah, medical director and GP at SSP Health, said there are several warning signs of melanoma that we can all look out for, “these include changes in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole or other area .” Skin. You can always use the ABCDE checklist to recognize them:
“A for asymmetry: the two halves of the mole don’t fit together. B for Edge: The edges of the birthmark are irregular, blurred or jagged. C for color: The mole has different shades of brown, black, red, pink, white or blue. D for diameter: The birthmark has a diameter of more than 6 mm. E for “evolving”: The birthmark changes in some way over time.
“Also, keep an eye out for moles that look different than the rest of your moles or are unusual.”
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma
((Joe Giddens/PA))
Lydia Patrick23. January 2024 03:15
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ICYMI – Camilla tells well-wisher King he's “fine” when she visits the family-run jeweler
The King is “doing well” as he prepares for treatment for an enlarged prostate this week, the Queen told a well-wisher during a visit to Swindon.
Camilla visited Deacon & Son, a 175-year-old family-run jewelry store, on Monday.
A group of school children waving Union flags handed her get well cards.
Among those outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen was Jessie Jackson, 86, from Swindon, Wiltshire, who said Camilla had told her the King “is fine”.
Ms Jackson, who was carrying a union flag, told the PA news agency she shook the Queen's hand and asked her how Charles was doing.
Camilla thanked her for asking and Ms Jackson added: “She's lovely.”
Nicky Jackson, 48, who accompanied her, added: “She asked how Charles was. He's fine.
“We didn’t ask about Kate. We forgot about poor Kate.”
A young girl holds a get well card for the British King Charles III. in hand as she waits to greet Britain's Queen Camilla
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Lydia Patrick23. January 2024 02:15
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ICYMI – Queen Camilla launches new initiative against domestic violence in Scotland as King prepares for prostate surgery
Queen Camilla launches a new initiative against domestic violence in Scotland
Lydia Patrick23. January 2024 01:15
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Prince Harry makes a rare joke about father King Charles amid royal strife
The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex reportedly made a joke about the British monarch during his speech at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills, California. The father-of-two was recognized at the 21st annual awards for his work as a British Army veteran and pilot.
The royal was presented with the honor by actor John Travola, who asked Harry to talk about his flying experience. He then remembered his very first flight with his father, the then Prince of Wales. “I think I was maybe seven or eight years old and I was in a Wessex helicopter and I jumped in so excited. And then my dad jumped behind the controls and I was terrified,” Harry told the audience, according to Entertainment Tonight.
Harry's comments about his father come amid tensions with the royal family following the release of his bombshell memoir Spare in January 2022. Most recently, a new autobiography by royal journalist Robert Hardman made some shocking revelations about the relationship between Harry and his wife Meghan Markle the royal family.
Lydia Patrick23. January 2024 00:15
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Sarah, Duchess of York, on cancer and her royal rehabilitation
Divorce, debt, tabloids and a cancer diagnosis – Sarah Ferguson's royal journey has been anything but smooth. But she talks to Guy Walters about happiness, about helping people, and about the things that have helped her in the most difficult times
Read the full Premium interview here
Lydia Patrick22. January 2024 11:15 p.m
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Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with skin cancer just months after undergoing breast cancer treatment
The duchess underwent an eight-hour mastectomy in July last year – but in the follow-up operation last month, dermatologists removed several moles and discovered one was a malignant melanoma.
Despite the diagnosis, the 64-year-old is said to be in “good spirits” as she faces further tests to find out whether the cancer has spread to other parts of her body.
Read Alex Ross' full story here
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What is Malignant Melanoma?
Sarah, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma after having a malignant mole removed during breast cancer treatment.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body. Any diagnosis of melanoma is cancer, even if the term “malignant” is not used before it.
The NHS states that the main cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and is used in tanning beds.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing melanoma include pale skin; red or blonde hair; blue or green eyes; a large number of freckles or moles and a family history of skin cancer.
The risk of melanoma increases with age, but compared to most other cancers, it is also quite common in younger people, according to Cancer Research UK.
(sarahferguson15/Instagram)
Lydia Patrick22. January 2024 9:15 p.m