Sarah Ferguson Returns To Podcast After Cancer Scare, Recalls Almost Missing Appointment

Sarah Ferguson is opening up about her breast cancer journey! After being diagnosed with an early form of the malignant disease, the Duchess of York hopes to inspire others with her story.

The British author earned her Royal title after marrying Prince Andrew, the Duke of York in 1986. During their union, the former spouses welcomed two daughters before separating in 1992 and finalizing their divorce four years later.

The 63-year-old recently received a shocking health update, an announcement that changed the media personality's perspective on life. Getting vulnerable with fans, the "Her Heart for a Compass" writer revealed how her diagnosis almost went undetected.

In the fourth episode of "Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah" podcast, the former senior royal member got candid about her health issues. Talking to co-host Sarah Thomson, the humanitarian revealed her sister's encouragement stopped her from missing her doctor's appointment.

Ferguson recalled her checkup came after a "bank holiday," noting that the fateful day had been sunny. Given the hot weather, the "What's Under Your Hat, Granny?" author confessed that she was unmotivated to travel from her Windsor home to her consultation in London. 

"It’s easy to put it off -- 'I'll do it next week,'" the 63-year-old admitted, stating she would have happily procrastinated the appointment if not for her sibling's call. Crediting her sister for giving her the necessary push, the mother of two said:

"My sister, who's wonderful from Australia, I always normally do what she says because she gets so cranky. She said, 'No -- go. I need you to go. I need you to go.'"

Ferguson's sibling might have persuaded the Londoner to go for her mammogram screening, given their family's history with cancer. The Teenage Cancer Trust patron's father motivated his children to have regular tests before tragically losing his life to prostate cancer.

Recounting her late dad's insistence on people getting screened, the mother of two chimed: "My father died of prostate cancer, and it was very interesting because he went on the radio and he said on the radio, 'Please, please, please go and get checked.'"

"It doesn't matter. Go and get checked. It doesn't matter what you're doing. Don't say it's not going to happen to you," the media personality continued. "Doesn't matter if you feel fine. Cancer can be so silent. Such a silent little hiding thing which hides in the cells."

Reaffirming the importance of early detection, the Magna Grecia's Global Humanitarian award honoree implored listeners to "Go get screened. Go get checked." Ferguson noted her cancer would have gone undetected if not for the shadow that popped up during her routine mammogram.

Thanks to the scan, doctors knew swift actions needed to be taken and scheduled the 63-year-old for surgery. Reflecting on her journey, the "Puddle Boots Christmas" author assured fans she would remain positive despite her disheartening diagnosis.

"I'm taking this as a real gift to me to change my life, to nurture myself. To stop trying to fix everyone else," the Children in Crisis founder declared, adding that the situation would help her achieve a longtime wellness goal.

"For this one, it feels now as though it's allowing me to really, truly go into what I've always wanted, which is to be super fit, mind, body, soul," Ferguson claimed.

Before her latest podcast update, the Duchess of York's representative revealed the 63-year-old had undergone treatment for her ailment. The British author surprisingly pre-recorded the newly released episode a day before her scheduled surgery.

"Sarah, Duchess of York, was recently diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer detected at a routine mammogram screening," the source announced. "She was advised she needed to undergo surgery, which has taken place successfully."

Regarding the "Budgie Goes To Sea" author's well-being, the insider confirmed the Freedom of the City of York honoree was "recuperating with her family." According to the spokesperson, there was no need for concern as Ferguson's doctors claimed her "prognosis is good."

The rep stated the Duchess had "immense gratitude" for the medical staff who supported her recovery and those who helped discover the cancer. The source stressed that the children's book author had been symptom-free before going for the mammogram screening.