Sarah Ferguson stays strong amid skin cancer treatment.
The Duchess of York (64) was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, Fergie’s representative announced on Sunday. She was previously diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer last June.
A second cancer diagnosis in “a few months was obviously a shock and a blow,” a friend of Fergie tells PEOPLE exclusively.
But Fergie is “very resilient and in good spirits,” the source added.
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After her new diagnosis, Fergie spent some time at the MAYRLIFE clinic, a medical spa in Altaussee, Austria.
“The time spent in Austria helped her gather strength,” says the source. “And her family supports her.”
Sarah Ferguson.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Fergie was diagnosed with malignant melanoma while undergoing reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, her rep said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
She removed several moles and had them analyzed by a dermatologist, and one of the moles was identified as cancerous.
“The Duchess would like to thank the entire medical team who supported her, especially her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured that the disease was caught when it was,” her representative said. “She believes her experience highlights the importance of checking for size, shape, color and texture and the appearance of new moles that may be a sign of melanoma.”
Sarah Ferguson says her breast cancer diagnosis stopped her from being compared to Princess Diana
In addition to her stay at the MAYRLIFE clinic, Fergie is also being treated for melanoma in London.
“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure this is caught at an early stage,” her rep explained. “Obviously another diagnosis so soon after breast cancer treatment has been upsetting, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”
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Sarah Ferguson.
JP Yim/Getty
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A few months after her breast cancer diagnosis in June, Fergie revealed in a New Year’s message that she had “defeated” the disease.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I beat breast cancer,” Fergie wrote in a 2023 recap, “and now I have Derek on my left side.” (After successfully undergoing a mastectomy last July, Fergie nicknamed her reconstructed left breast “Derek.”)
“I’m 64 years old and I’m just starting,” she concluded the message. “I hope everyone will take time to reflect and look forward with love and positivity. Happy New Year, #2024!”
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Source: HIS Education