Duchess 'shocked' by second cancer

SARAH Ferguson says her skin cancer diagnosis left her reeling as she thanked well-wishers for their support.

- Emily Ferguson

The Duchess of York found out she had a malignant melanoma just after Christmas - a second tumour blow in six months. And she urged others to monitor their moles to avoid risking a fatal illness.

She wrote on Instagram: "Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I'm in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support. I have been taking some time to myself as I have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

Vigilance

"It is 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." The Duchess also praised the medics who cared for her. She added: "My experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.