Known for being one of the most candid members of the Royal Family, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who was previously married to Prince Andrew, has opened up about her recent breast cancer diagnosis and surgery, on her podcast Tea Talks with The Duchess & Sarah.
The 63-year-old expressed her relief that the disease had been caught early, thanks to a routine mammogram screening – one that she almost didn't attend, as it was a "hot day" and she didn't feel like "going into London" for the appointment. Thankfully, her sister Jane persuaded her otherwise.
Speaking on the podcast, the Duchess joked that she always does as her sister tells her, as she gets "so cranky" otherwise. "Well, while I'm there I'll go see your friend, I could then go and get my mammogram, to which she got even crosser with me, and she was right so thank you, Jane."
She then went on to praise the NHS, as the screening picked up a shadow, meaning the disease was caught at an earlier stage where it's easier to treat.
A spokesperson later commented to OK! magazine, that The Duchess has since had a successful surgery on her breast. "Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening. She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully.
"The Duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family."
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The spokesperson added, "The Duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days. She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom-free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening."
Sarah, Duchess of York, is a mother of two and a grandmother three times over, with her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice having given birth to a daughter, Sienna, in 2021, and Princess Eugenie having welcomed two boys, August, also in 2021, and Ernest, earlier this year.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
