Sarah Ferguson is the proud new patron of the only charity in the U.K. dedicated exclusively to predicting and preventing breast cancer.
On October 9, the Duchess of York, 64, expressed that she was “honored” to take on this role with Prevent Breast Cancer.
Known as Fergie, the Duchess was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a successful single mastectomy in 2023.
Since then, she has utilized her platform to advocate for the importance of early cancer detection through screenings.
“Today I’m honored to be joining a wonderful charity, Prevent Breast Cancer, as patron, and will be doing all that I can to help spread the word about the importance of early detection,” Fergie wrote on Instagram.
This announcement coincided with her visit to The Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester, England, which is the charity’s headquarters and the future site of the National Breast Imaging Academy.
“It is so difficult when you’re told that you have cancer, not to let your mind go to the darkest places.
“You can’t help thinking that it’s a death sentence, and the dread of what lies ahead and how you are going to share the news with your family can be overwhelming,” her Instagram statement continued.
The Duchess of York acknowledged that this was something she had to face twice in the past year.
In January, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer, after a post-operative examination of a mole removed during her reconstructive surgery following the mastectomy.
“One cancer diagnosis was bad enough but to go through all those emotions twice in such quick succession was a lot to handle, and while treatment has been successful and tests show there has been no spread or recurrence, I’m aware I’m not out of the woods and will have to have checks for the rest of my life,” Fergie wrote on Oct. 8, seemingly referring to both diagnoses.
The Duchess mentioned that she was introduced to Prevent Breast Cancer through Sally Dynevor on Loose Women.
The Coronation Street actress is also a breast cancer survivor and the mother of Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor.
Following this introduction, Fergie was motivated to get involved in order to help raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is marked globally each October, and Fergie wrote for The Sun about why her new patronage of Prevent Breast Cancer means so much.
“I’m living proof of the importance of never skipping screening appointments and always getting symptoms checked out promptly,” she said.
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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