Sarah Ferguson is recovering after breast cancer operation

"I'm taking this as a real gift"

She has returned to her Windsor home following a life-saving single mastectomy. Image: Getty

The Duchess of York, or Fergie as she's best known, considers her recent breast cancer diagnosis and single mastectomy a "gift" as she recovers at her country estate.

The Duchess of York has returned to her Windsor home following a life-saving single mastectomy. The 63-year-old was recently diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram.

The surgery took place at King Edward VII Hospital, a private clinic in London favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II and other royals.

Her spokesman told The BBC this week that her procedure was successful after "receiving the best medical care" and, "is now recuperating with her family" - that being daughters Princess Beatrice, 34, and Princess Eugenie, 33, and their children.

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Just prior to the op, Fergie used her new podcast, Tea Talk, to share her diagnoses, and to urge listeners to get checked, for one very simple reason – she herself had no breast cancer symptoms going into her routine mammogram. This experience alone shook the duchess into realising the importance of regular screening, no matter how well you might feel.

"I want every single person that is listening to this podcast to go and get checked," she said.

The grandmother-of-three admitted to listeners that her diagnosis was a catalyst to get herself in her best possible shape so she can live a long and healthy life. 

"I'm taking this as a real gift to me to change my life, to nurture myself," and promising she'd "stop trying to fix everyone else". From now on, Fergie said she'll be "taking myself seriously".

"Now is my chance," she said. "This extraordinary position I'm in right now - it means there's no choice.

"I can't make another excuse. I have to go through this operation and I have to be well and strong. And therefore no choice is the best choice."

Sarah is recovering with daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie by her side. Image: Instagram

How do I check my breasts?

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, there's no "special technique", it's simply a case of getting to know your breasts. "Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel through normal regular activities, such as showering, getting dressed, using body lotion or looking in the mirror."

The foundation suggests we look at and feel our breasts regularly, and that includes all parts from the armpit and up to the collarbone.

"A new lump is one of the most common signs of breast cancer so if you have found a new lump or any unusual change in your breast, it is important to see your doctor without delay."

The statistics

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation;

• Approximately 57 Australians are diagnosed each and every day. That equates to over 20,000 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
• 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• About 1 in 600 men are diagnosed in their lifetime.
• Around 1000 young women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, equivalent to about 3 young women each day.
• In 2022, over 3,200 Australian passed away from breast cancer (including 30-40 males). Approximately one woman under the age of 40 is expected to die each week from breast cancer.
• That’s 9 Australians a day dying from the disease.
• In the last 10 years, breast cancer diagnoses have increased by 33 per cent.

Originally published as Sarah Ferguson is recovering after breast cancer operation