Susanna Reid has reflected on Sarah Ferguson’s breast cancer diagnosis, admitting it has been a “wake-up call” for herself and her health.
The Duchess of York revealed last week that she was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer which was detected at a routine mammogram screening.
The 63-year-old recently underwent surgery and was discharged from London’s King Edward VII hospital on Sunday. She is now recovering with her family.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Monday, the broadcaster praised the royal for speaking about her diagnosis publicly.
The 52-year-old shared: “This morning we want to send our best wishes to the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, because she has revealed – this has come as quite a shock – that she’s undergone surgery because of breast cancer.
“It was a routine mammogram on a Tuesday two weeks ago, she said on her podcast. She’s now out of surgery, but that’s remarkably fast, isn’t it?
“Two weeks ago she had the mammogram, she said she was reluctant to go, it’s been very hot weather, it was a bit of an inconvenience, her sister said, ‘You have to go.’
“I think the reason that she’s open about this is she wants this to be a wake-up call to people,” she continued.
“I hadn’t realised, that there was a change in policy and screening, around seven months ago, back in September, where appointments used to be sent out for mammograms, now it’s an invitation, apparently, to make an appointment.
“As a result, around, just in London, 12,000 women are estimated to have missed out on breast screenings because of that new open invitations system.
“Now, I received one of those letters, an invitation to go. And, of course, what have I done? Absolutely nothing. I haven’t booked in a mammogram. And I’m 52.”
“I absolutely should take that up,” she declared. “I think there will be a lot of women this morning, finding out what has happened to Sarah Ferguson, feeling the same way I did – there isn’t really a firm appointment, I haven’t got time to make one, who will be thinking differently.”
She concluded her sentiments by sending her “best wishes” to the royal.
Since going public with her diagnosis, Ferguson is encouraging others to get breast screenings.
Speaking on her podcast, the royal said: ‘Cancer can be so silent. Such a silent, silent little hiding thing that hides in the cells. Go and get screened. Go get checked. Don’t wait.”
