Sarah Ferguson Says She’s ‘Feeling Positive' from 'Support of My Family’ amid Skin Cancer Diagnosis

The Duchess of York said her "situation could have been so much worse" as she urged people to go for health checkups in an Instagram post Tuesday

Sarah Ferguson is “feeling positive” amid her skin cancer journey.

After revealing her diagnosis last month — which came just weeks after she announced that she had “beat” breast cancer — the Duchess of York, 64, shared a post on Instagram Tuesday urging her followers to “be diligent” with their health checkups in honor of Cancer Prevention Action Week.

"I’m determined to do whatever I can to help raise awareness by sharing my experience,” Fergie wrote. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, this year and had it not been for the diligence and care of my physicians, my situation could have been so much worse.”

The Duchess then went on to share that she “almost put off” her routine mammogram amid a “busy 2023,” but her sister Jane “convinced” her to go to her appointment.

“After undergoing a mastectomy and reconstruction, I could only hope that I was in the clear, which is why a new diagnosis of skin cancer came as a shock. I’m now in the best hands and feeling positive with the support of my family. Days could make the difference between life and death, so please don’t skip or put off your #healthchecks and urge your loved ones to go to theirs. Help #preventcancer. #CancerAwareness.”

Related: Sarah Ferguson Gives Quick but Encouraging Health Update amid Skin Cancer Diagnosis While Leaving Hospital

The words accompanied a photo of Fergie standing on a small wooden pedestal while holding a flower. The Duchess dressed in a long hot pink jacket in the image, along with matching flared pants and a white shirt.

She was flooded with well-wishes in the comments section following her update, with one writing, “Beautiful❤️. You are courageous and an inspiration.” A second added, “Beautiful picture, great that you are open and candid about your experience. Best wishes for a positive outcome.”

Related: Sarah Ferguson Says She's 'Taking Time to Myself' amid 'Shock' Skin Cancer Diagnosis

In Nov. 2023, the Duchess told PEOPLE just how supportive both her daughters, Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 33, had been throughout her breast cancer journey.

“My two wonderful daughters are my wholehearted cheerleaders, my devoted champions and my soulmates, and they have been as supportive as can be, as they always are,” she said. 

A friend of Fergie's also told PEOPLE that Beatrice and Eugenie had "been terrific" amid their mother's breast cancer diagnosis, which was announced in June, and her family had been "rallying 'round."

A representative for the Duchess announced her skin cancer diagnosis on Jan. 21 in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” the statement began.

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According to the spokesperson, the Duchess had a number of moles removed and analyzed by a dermatologist while she was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of the moles was identified as cancerous.

“She is undergoing further investigations to ensure that this has been caught in the early stages,” the statement continued. “Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing, but the Duchess remains in good spirits.”

Fergie’s diagnosis came just weeks before King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was revealed by Buckingham Palace on Feb. 5. The statement came shortly after the monarch, 75, was admitted for treatment for an enlarged prostate at The London Clinic on Jan 26.

“During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the statement read in part.

Fergie sent her own well-wishes to the King in a post shared on Instagram earlier this month.

Alongside a photo of herself speaking at the Cancer Alliance Hope and Help Luncheon in Palm Beach, Florida on Feb. 7 she wrote, “It was a pleasure to attend the Cancer Alliance Hope and Help Luncheon, my first event since my melanoma diagnosis and since hearing of His Majesty The King’s recent cancer diagnosis. His Majesty is very dear to me and I think I speak for everyone when I say he is in my thoughts and prayers.”

She continued, “It felt like a timely moment to help raise funds to support others dealing with cancer diagnoses, who may be going through financial or emotional struggles in light of a health emergency. It was both healing and inspiring to meet so many amazing ladies, who do so much for others through their work with Cancer Alliance.”

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