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Sarah Ferguson Details “Traumatic” Experience With Cancer Diagnoses
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has described the “traumatic” ordeal of receiving two cancer diagnoses within a year. In an article in The Times of London, Ferguson, 65, shared her feelings about her health battles, highlighting the importance of early detection and support, especially for young people facing similar circumstances. This follows her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent skin cancer diagnosis.
Duchess of York Opens Up About Cancer Journey
In her piece published Wednesday, April 23, Ferguson stated that each diagnosis felt “like a death sentence.” She spoke to the outlet to endorse the U.K. charity, Teenage Cancer Trust’s, new campaign, #AndYoungPeople, by recalling her experiences after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2023 and skin cancer in 2024.
Coping With Cancer at Any Age
“I was 63 when I was first diagnosed with cancer, and cancer at any age is traumatic,” Ferguson wrote. “However, as adults, we have the maturity and life experience to advocate for ourselves and cope with challenges. We can seek assistance if required, and most importantly, our voices are, regrettably, often taken more seriously.”
Related: Sarah Ferguson Says She’s ‘Feeling Positive’ After 2nd Cancer Diagnosis
Sarah Ferguson is “feeling positive” amid her second battle with cancer. The Duchess of York, 64, revealed last month she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma after having several moles removed for analysis. Now she hopes to inspire others to “be diligent with their health check ups” to detect the deadly disease. “I’m determined to […]
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Advocating for Young People With Cancer
“One group I feel is consistently neglected by those developing health plans and policies is teenagers and young people,” Sarah, who is a patron for the charity, added.
Teenage Cancer Trust Campaign
The campaign was launched Wednesday with an open letter from the charity addressed to U.K. health secretary Wes Streeting. The letter and the overall campaign implore the U.K. government to provide more support for teenagers battling cancer. The assistance should include mental health resources and enhanced training for healthcare professionals to improve their awareness of symptoms in young people, with the ultimate goal of achieving quicker diagnoses.
Timeline of Diagnoses
- June 2023: Ferguson announced her breast cancer diagnosis after a routine mammogram. She subsequently underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
- January 2024: The Duchess revealed she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
The Mental Health Impact
Ferguson shared with The Times in January that her cancer diagnoses had a significant negative impact on her mental well-being.
“It was hard. I’m generally a positive person, but cancer is like a bomb going off in your life,” Ferguson explained. “One diagnosis is enough to deal with, but I had two in the space of a year. I don’t mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places, reflecting on my own mortality.”
Coping Mechanisms and Support
- “I’ve used meditation and mindfulness to help stay positive and balanced,” she said.
- Her family has been “an immense support.”
Continued Support for Teenage Cancer Trust
Ferguson has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust since its inception in 1990. In support of the latest campaign, Ferguson and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will attend a Teenage Cancer Trust Unit visit on Wednesday, as reported by The Times.