Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, the UK Press Association (PA) reported Sunday citing a spokesperson for Ferguson. The disease was discovered after several moles were removed when she was treated for breast cancer in June, PA said.

“Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer this summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma,” a spokesperson for Ferguson said.

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

The 64-year-old is said to be recovering at home, surrounded by her family, and remains in “good spirits,” PA reported. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in the cells that give skin its color, or melanin. It is considered the most serious form of skin cancer because it can quickly spread to other parts of the body and become potentially deadly.

It sometimes starts as a new, small, molelike growth or develops from an existing mole. Exposure to the sun is the major risk factor in all types of skin cancer, but it can take only intermittent exposure to the sun, such as weekend sun-bathing, to increase the risk of developing melanoma.

Risk also increases in people who have fair skin that freckles or burns. In addition, people who have many moles and/or irregularly shaped moles are at higher risk.

“The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was,” her spokesperson said.

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

In other news – Soap opera actor David Gail dies at 58

Actor David Gail, who played Shannen Doherty’s fiancé Stuart Carson on “Beverly Hills 90210,” has died. He was 58. Gail’s sister, Katie Colmenares, shared news of his death on Instagram on Jan. 20. “There’s barely been even a day in my life when you were not with me by my side always my wingman always my best friend ready to face anything and anyone w me,” she wrote, alongside a photo of the two siblings hugging.

“I will hold you so tight every day in my heart you gorgeous loving amazing fierce human being,” Colmenares continued, “missing you every second of every day forever there will never be another.” Read More