Searches for skin cancer information have skyrocketed since Sarah Ferguson revealed her "shock" diagnosis this week. The Duchess of York, who recently underwent surgery for a breast tumour, announced that her doctors had found she also has skin cancer.
Visits to NHS melanoma information page increase eight-fold
In the 48 hours following Ferguson's announcement, visits to the NHS melanoma skin cancer information page surged eight-fold. The page received 13,662 views, compared to 1,624 views during the same period the week before.
Second royal boost in a week
This increase in searches follows a similar trend seen after King Charles' battle with prostate cancer. His experience led to a ten-fold increase in searches for information about prostate enlargement. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS cancer director, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, stating that "diagnosing cancer early saves lives."
Melanoma symptoms and survival rates
The main symptom of melanoma is a mole that changes or becomes painful, itchy, or bloody. In the UK, approximately 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and the survival rates are promising, with nine out of ten individuals surviving for a decade or more.
Sarah Ferguson's call for vigilance
Ferguson, 64, urged the public to be proactive in checking themselves for signs of disease. She emphasized the importance of monitoring the size, shape, color, texture, and emergence of new moles, as they can be potential indicators of melanoma. Despite her recent diagnosis, Ferguson remains in good spirits and appreciates the outpouring of love and support she has received.
