Sarah Ferguson's Cancer Battles
- Sarah Ferguson, the 65-year-old Duchess of York and British author, describes being diagnosed with breast cancer and skin cancer just six months apart as “hard,” however, the resilient mom of two has remained “positive and balanced” through adversity.
- Ferguson was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in the summer of 2023. She underwent a single mastectomy (the removal of her breast) for treatment.
- She was later diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, in January 2024. Her melanoma was apparently found while she was consulting a dermatologist as part of the reconstruction process after treatment for breast cancer, and it appeared to be caught early, her reps said in statement.
- Meditation is a form of mindfulness that’s not always easy to practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s shown positive results for those facing cancer. It’s something Sarah Ferguson has also admitted to doing during and after her cancer battles.
Ferguson, who was previously married to Britain’s Prince Andrew, whom she shares two daughters with, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, opened up about her health battles in a recent interview with The Times.
Read MoreMental Health for Cancer Warriors & Survivors
“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.”
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To start off the New Year, Ferguson also took to her Instagram page to look back on her recent challenges, writing alongside a video of herself, “As we reflect on the year gone by and the one that lies ahead, I know 2024 has been a challenging time for many.
“In my life, I was diagnosed with skin cancer and breast cancer. I’m not ashamed to say that it’s been tough.”
RELATED: Feel the Fear, and Let it Go — Meditation for Cancer Survivors
She concluded, “Sometimes, all of us are overwhelmed by loneliness, anxiety, or sleeplessness. So this year, I decided to seek out tools that can help with healthfulness, wellness, and peacefulness.”
In another one of her recent posts, Ferguson wrote, “On this Blue Monday, often thought to be the most challenging day of the year, let us remember the power of connection.
“A quick and simple check-in with a friend can make all the difference and remind them that they’re not alone. We are all stronger together!”
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Sarah Ferguson’s Breast Cancer Journey
Ferguson first shared her breast cancer story on her podcast “Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah” in July 2023.
Sharing a clip from her podcast episode, the Duchess wrote in an Instagram post, “I am recuperating at the moment but keen to share my story here on my podcast, in the hope it encourages everyone who can to get screened.
“Thank you doesn’t quite cover it to all of my doctors, nurses and medical professionals. I’m beyond lucky to have you. I encourage everyone to get checked.”
Ferguson addressed the reasoning as to why she was doing the podcast was to show that, “It’s not ok, but if you’re going to get it. Do the screening, catch it quick, and say, ‘I can do this.’”
“It’s not bravery, it’s not courage. It’s about understanding that you’re not going to feel as you did for a bit. So don’t try and be a superhero. Take many steps. Have the cup of tea. Trust people. Very important not to be complacent with every single thing now.”
Ferguson ultimately underwent a single mastectomy (the removal of her breast) after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer after undergoing a life-saving routine mammogram.
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Sarah Ferguson’s Skin Cancer Diagnosis
At the start of 2024, the Duchess of York disclosed her diagnosis of skin cancer, just weeks after announcing she beat breast cancer.
A representative for Ferguson said, “Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.” The news was obtained by People magazine.
Ferguson’s melanoma was apparently found while Ferguson was consulting a dermatologist as part of the reconstruction process after treatment for breast cancer, say her reps. And, initially, the diseases seems to have been caught early, as per the statement.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It starts in the same cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes their color. In melanoma, the cells change in a way that allows them to spread to other organs.
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By far, the the early detection of melanoma growths on the skin is the best way to prevent more serious spread of the disease, and Ferguson decided to use her situation to increase awareness.
“The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was,” the representative added.
“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, color and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”
Practicing Mindfulness During Cancer Treatment
A cancer diagnosis can take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, such as anxiety, confusion, anger, and more. It can be hard to successfully work through these emotions, and many cancer survivors have said trying to clear their mind and distract themselves has helped them stay positive.
Related: What’s Mindfulness? And Can It Help You During Your Cancer Journey?
Meditation is a form of mindfulness that’s not always easy to practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s shown positive results for those facing cancer. It’s something Sarah Ferguson has also admitted to doing during and after her cancer battles.
Actual data on the benefits of integrative medicine is often hard to pinpoint. In the case of meditation, there is a good deal of high quality scientific research demonstrating the benefits of meditation for people with cancer.
A Guided Meditation for the SurvivorNet Community
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, there is data showing that meditation creates “reductions in psychological distress in patients with lung cancer, improves mood and general well-being in patients across several cancer diagnoses, as well as enhances psychological functioning and mindfulness in partners of cancer patients.”
Dr. Brian Berman, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at University of Maryland, previously took SurvivorNet through a guided meditation. Ideally, Dr. Berman recommends using this relaxation technique once or twice a day or for 10 to 15 minutes a day in order to really begin experiencing the benefits that come from meditation.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Mariana Strongin, on the value of self-soothing during stressful times
When Shannon Masur was facing both colon cancer and Lynch Syndrome at the same time, she took advice from her friends to get into meditation, and even though she thought it would be difficult in the beginning she was pleasantly surprised.
“I thought it would be such a challenge, but it really wasn’t,” Masur says. “[My guide] taught me how, when a thought comes in, to feel it and feel the fear but let it go after a few seconds, taking time to sit and just kind of get thoughts out, get all of the negative out of my brain for ten minutes or an hour. Just having that sense of calmness that comes into me when I’m meditating has been really helpful for me.”
Shannon Masur explains how meditation helped her cope with colon cancer
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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