Sarah Ferguson Opens Up About Facing Double Cancer Diagnosis: ‘Like a Death Sentence’

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has revealed just how earth-shattering it was to be diagnosed with cancer not once, but twice in such a short time. Speaking candidly, Ferguson, 65, described her double diagnosis as feeling "like a death sentence" and "a bomb going off in my life."

In 2023, Ferguson learned she had breast cancer; barely months later, she was hit with a skin cancer diagnosis. She told The Times that facing cancer at 63 was traumatic, but she also recognized that being an adult gave her the maturity and voice to advocate for herself—a privilege not always afforded to younger patients.

Ferguson emphasized that, while she received support during her treatment, teenagers and young adults battling cancer are often left to navigate "dark thoughts" alone. She’s used her platform as a long-time patron (35 years!) of the Teenage Cancer Trust to champion better care and attention for young people with cancer.

Her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have taken after their mom, joining her in efforts to boost cancer awareness among younger generations. Ferguson pointed out that teens are often "consistently neglected" by health policy makers, especially when it comes to tailored treatment and mental health support.

She argued that young cancer patients face unique hurdles—many are too old for pediatric trials, too young for adult ones, and often up against rare cancers. Ferguson called for urgent solutions so these young people aren’t left in the cracks of the system.

As part of her advocacy, Ferguson sent a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, urging that teens be prioritized in England’s National Cancer Plan. She called for faster diagnoses, better access to clinical trials, and a real boost in mental health support for young patients. Alarmingly, a trust survey found that 87% of psychologists believe national care provisions fall short for teens and young adults with cancer.

Ferguson's own health scare started with a routine mammogram in June 2023, leading to a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. Then, after undergoing reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, she had moles removed—one of which tested positive for malignant melanoma in January 2024. Her medical team has since confirmed both diagnoses.

Through it all, Ferguson’s message has been clear: cancer can feel like a bomb, but no one—especially young people—should have to face the fallout alone. You’ve got to admire that fighting spirit, even in the face of such tough odds.