Sarah Ferguson, 64, is diagnosed with malignant melanoma just months after treatment for breast cancer – as acquaintances of the Duchess of York reveal 'it hasn't been an easy time' but she 'remains in good spirits'

Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with skin cancer just months after being treated for breast cancer, it has been reported.

The Duchess of York has had a birthmark removed from her body. Tests revealed that it was malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

It comes after the 64-year-old underwent breast surgery for cancer last year, with insiders saying it has 'not been an easy time' for her.

The mother of two children had a number of moles removed during breast reconstruction last year, one of which turned out to be malignant.

The Duchess, Prince Andrew's ex-wife, was described as “in good spirits” after the “disturbing” news, which she was told just days after Christmas.

The Duchess of York pictured on ITV's Good Morning Britain on December 12 last year

Sarah Ferguson pictured with her ex-husband Prince Andrew and Maria Laura Salinas at Royal Ascot in June 2019

The author is said to have spent the past few weeks in Austria after spending time with the royal family at Sandringham over Christmas, the Sun reports.

It is hoped that the cancer was found early enough that she will have no further problems, but will undergo further tests to determine if the disease has spread.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body, mainly caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds.

People with fairer skin, a large number of moles and a family history of skin cancer are usually at greater risk of developing this.

The news comes days after it was revealed that both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales will have undergone medical procedures next week.

Princess Catherine was taken to hospital last week for a planned abdominal operation, which will require her to stay at The Clinic in London for ten to fourteen days and require up to three months of rest and recovery at home.

The reason for the surgery is unknown, although sources have said it is not cancerous in nature.

On the same day that Kate had her surgery, it was announced that King Charles would undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate in the coming week.

The news comes days after it was revealed that King Charles and the Princess of Wales had health problems. Pictured: King Charles greets Princess Catherine at the world premiere of No Time To Die at London's Royal Albert Hall in September 2021

Sarah Ferguson pictured with her daughters Princess Beatrice (left) and Princess Eugenie (right) at the Masterpiece Midsummer Party at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 2013

This was said by a spokesperson for Sarah, Duchess of York Sun: 'Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

'Her dermatologist requested that several moles be removed and analyzed at the same time that the Duchess underwent reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.

'She is undergoing further investigation to ensure this is caught at an early stage.

'Obviously a new diagnosis so soon after breast cancer treatment was worrying, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.

'The Duchess would like to thank the entire medical team who supported her, especially her dermatologist, whose vigilance ensured that the disease was detected when it occurred.

'She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and the appearance of new moles that could be a sign of melanoma.'

The duchess will be treated by Dr Andrew Furness, a consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, and Catherine Borysiewicz, a consultant dermatologist at the King Edward VII Hospital in London, the newspaper reported.