Sarah Ferguson diagnosed with skin cancer: What to know about Duchess of York's melanoma

The 'main cause' of melanoma is ultraviolet light, which comes from the Sun and is used in sunbeds

Sarah, Duchess of York. PA

Sarah, Duchess of York has had malignant melanoma diagnosed after several moles were removed when she was treated for breast cancer in June.

Doctors are working to establish if the disease was caught early after one of the moles was found to be cancerous.

The duchess is said to be in “good spirits” despite having another cancer diagnosis so soon after the last one.

The news has been “distressing” and Sarah is recovering at home surrounded by family.

“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York, has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma," her spokesman said.

“Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed at the same time as the duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous.

“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages.

Extreme heat raises risk of skin damage - in pictures

UV rays from the sun can wreak havoc on human skin, experts have warned. Pawan Singh / The National

Experts have warned of the perils of not covering up in the extreme heat. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The current UV rating in Dubai suggests there is a high risk for people sunning themselves without protection. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sunblock of at least factor 50 is advised if sunning yourself in the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National

The UV rays from the sun are increasing all the time, along with skin cancer rates. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

“Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the duchess remains in good spirits.

“The duchess wants to thank the entire medical team that has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was.

“She believes her experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma.”

In June, the duchess’s breast cancer was found at an early stage during a routine mammogram and she had an operation at London’s King Edward VII’s Hospital, which has treated the royal family for decades.

What is melanoma skin cancer?

Melanoma skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body, according to the British National Health Service website.

Its “main cause” is ultraviolet light, which comes from the Sun and is used in sunbeds.

Symptoms include having a new mole or changes to an existing one.

If a mole is larger than normal, has an uneven shape or is a mix of colours, it could be a sign of the condition.

Surgery is the main treatment for malignant melanoma, especially if it is found early, but advanced melanoma can be hard to treat.

The duchess is a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust and spoke at a Breast Cancer Foundation gala in 2019.

Her elder daughter Princess Beatrice is patron of the British Skin Foundation and has worked with skin cancer patients.