Sarah Ferguson Reveals Skin Cancer Diagnosis Weeks After Announcing That She ‘Beat’ Breast Cancer

Sarah Ferguson was diagnosed with skin cancer.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a rep for the Duchess of York, 64, says, “Following her diagnosis with early-stage breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.”

According to a spokesperson, the Duchess of York had several moles removed and analyzed by a dermatologist while undergoing reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, 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 detected when it was,” the rep added. “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.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Sarah Ferguson says her breast cancer diagnosis stopped her from being compared to Princess Diana

The Duchess is being treated for melanoma in London, and has taken time to recover at the MAYRLIFE Clinic, a medical spa in Altaussee, Austria.

“She is undergoing further investigation to ensure this is caught at an early stage,” her rep explains. “Obviously another diagnosis so soon after breast cancer treatment has been upsetting, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”

Sun was the first to publish the news.

Sarah Ferguson says Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie spent their 18th birthdays visiting teenage cancer units

A friend of Fergie echoes her rep’s sentiment, telling PEOPLE that the second cancer diagnosis in a few months “was obviously a shock and a blow.”

“[She] he is very resilient and good-natured,” adds the friend. “The time spent in Austria helped her gather strength, and her family supports her.”

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Fergie’s eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, is connected to her mum’s latest cancer diagnosis, as she is a patron of the British Skin Foundation and has previously worked with skin cancer patients.

Last November, the duchess told PEOPLE that both her “wonderful daughters,” Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, have supported her throughout her breast cancer journey, calling them her “heartfelt cheerleaders, my dedicated champions and my soul mates.”

“They were getting as much support as they could, as always,” she added.

Fergie was first diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer last June, a rep told PEOPLE at the time.

“Sarah, Duchess of York, was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer which was discovered during a routine mammogram. She was advised to undergo surgery, which was successfully carried out,” the spokesperson said.

Fergie then revealed that she had “beaten breast cancer” in a New Year’s message she shared on social media.

Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson and Princess Eugenie. David M Bennett/Dave Bennett/Getty Images Princess Beatrice rushes mum Fergie with her in an adorable moment at Royal Christmas

After a successful single mastectomy, Fergie retained her signature sense of humor, revealing it Tea talks to the duchess and Sara podcast that she nicknamed her reconstructed left breast “Derek.”

She added that “he is very important because he saved my life.”

Also in the episode, the Duchess of York mentioned her father, who died of prostate cancer, and spoke about the importance of early detection.

“I don’t mind if nobody wants to hear me. Because I’m telling you I’m doing this,” she said. “I’m telling people because I want every single person who listens to this podcast to go check it out, go check it out and do it.”

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Source: HIS Education