Sarah Ferguson has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer. The Duchess of York is said to be in good spirits by a spokesperson for the royal, and will be undergoing further investigations soon. Her diagnosis comes just a few months after she was found to have breast cancer. Here's what we know about her condition.
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00:00 While undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York,
00:07 had several moles removed and analysed on the advice of her dermatologist.
00:11 At least one of these has now been identified as malignant melanoma.
00:14 A spokesperson for the Royal said the diagnosis was distressing,
00:17 but that she remains in high spirits, going on to say the Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team
00:23 which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist,
00:26 whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was.
00:29 She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture
00:34 and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.
00:37 Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year,
00:41 according to the latest figures from Cancer Research UK.
00:44 The advice to the public is to check your skin for any unusual changes,
00:47 using a mirror or asking someone else to check any areas you cannot see.
00:51 In particular, look for moles with an even shape or a mix of colours, large moles
00:55 and ones that change size, shape or colour over time.
00:58 (thunder rumbling)