Breast cancer hit the headlines once more this week as Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, revealed she has undergone an operation after being diagnosed with the condition.
The 63-year-old discovered she had an early form of the disease during a routine mammogram, according to her representatives. She reportedly left the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, central London – which has treated the royal family for decades - on Sunday and is said to be recovering with her family, including ex-husband Andrew, at Windsor.
Before going to hospital, she spoke about her diagnosis on her new podcast 'Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah', which was released on Monday (June 26). It was reportedly recorded before her operation and had been due to air the previous Thursday, before being put off until after she was discharged.
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The duchess had no symptoms ahead of her shock diagnosis, with the cancer being found in a routine screening, reports the Mirror. Common signs include a lump on the breast, or the nipple changing in any way, the NHS says, but the cancer can also come with more subtle signs that can often be missed.
The symptoms - and when you should see a GP
You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:
- a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer, says the NHS.
How to be 'breast aware'
It's important to be breast aware, adds the health service, so you notice any changes as soon as possible.
"Get to know what is normal for you – for instance, your breasts may look or feel different at different times of your life. This will make it easier to notice potential problems," reads NHS advice.
'Prognosis of early breast cancer is good for duchess'
The surgery at the hospital was 'successful'. A spokesman for the duchess said: "Sarah, Duchess of York was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening. She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully.
"The duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family. The duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days.
"She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening."
Sarah is a patron for Teenage Cancer Trust and spoke at a Breast Cancer Foundation gala in 2019.
What to do if you need support
Ann O’Flynn, head of information and support at the charity Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We’re saddened to hear of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York’s, recent breast cancer diagnosis. We know that hearing the words ‘you’ve got cancer’ can turn people’s worlds upside down in a heartbeat.
"Macmillan is here to do whatever it takes to support everybody living with cancer, from the moment they’re diagnosed. Our Support Line and web chat service is open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm, and our website and online community forums are available 24 hours a day."
