Sarah Ferguson says there are 'dark places' to think about after a cancer diagnosis.

Sarah Ferguson talks about the impact of two back-to-back cancer diagnoses on her mental health.

“It was difficult. I'm usually a positive person, but cancer is like a bomb that happens in your life,” said 65-year-old Sarah Ferguson. The Times in an interview published on Friday, January 17. “One diagnosis is enough to get by, but I had two in a year. I don't mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places when contemplating my own mortality.

Ferguson announced in June 2023 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She later underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Just six months later, in January 2024, the Duchess announced that she had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

“Her dermatologist requested the removal and analysis of several moles at the same time as the Duchess underwent reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy, and one of them was identified as cancerous,” the royal said in a statement. Us Weekly at that time.

As Ferguson recently joked The Times that she renamed her reconstructed breast 'Derek', she also revealed that her spinal cancer diagnoses took a toll on her mental health. Fortunately, she explained, she found ways to cope.

“I've been using meditation and mindfulness to help me stay positive and balanced,” she explained, adding that her family has been a “tremendous support during this period.” (Ferguson has daughters together Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie with her ex-husband and embattled royal Prince Andrew.)

In June 2024, speaking to Hello!Ferguson gave royal fans a health update, saying she has “regular check-ups” and “puts cream on my face to avoid sun damage”.

“(It) means big blisters on my face, chest and arms for three weeks,” she explained at the time. “But I didn't do immunotherapy, I didn't take drugs or chemotherapy, which I'm very grateful for.”

In the same profile interview, Ferguson again praised her “most amazing family”, adding that she has an “extremely great team” and a “tremendous capacity for joy”.

“I've always told my girls to be so honest and open that they know I'm going to tell them straight, no matter how hard it is,” the Duchess continued.

May 2024, appearing in the UK series This morningPrincess Beatrice revealed that her mother is “all clear”.

“She's such a phenomenal icon. As a mom, she's been amazing, she's been through so much, and her determination and resilience really keeps me going,” the king said at the time. “At 64, she's thriving; she's been through so much, but I I think she is settling into her life now.