Sarah Ferguson has marked Cancer Prevention Action Week by urging people not to skip their health check ups, warning “days could make the difference between life and death”.

The Duchess of York, 64, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer in January, just six months after facing breast cancer.

She took to her Instagram account to explain that she is using her own encounter with the disease to help others.

Fergie wrote: “Days could make the difference between life and death, so please don’t skip or put off your #healthchecks and urge your loved ones to go to theirs.”

She added: “I would like to urge anyone who is able to be diligent with their health check ups,” she said. “I’m determined to do whatever I can to help raise awareness by sharing my experience.”

The Duchess shared the powerful message alongside a striking image of her wearing a vibrant pink coat and wide-legged pink trousers in a 2023 shoot by fashion photographer Christopher Horne.

Last year Sarah revealed that she was urged to attend a routine mammogram by her sister after almost cancelling because she was too busy. Tests then showed she had breast cancer and underwent treatment, including a single mastectomy, in June.

In January she revealed that several moles were removed during the reconstructive surgery and one was identified as cancerous.

The duchess – mother to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie – said her skin cancer diagnosis of malignant melanoma was a shock but she was “in the best hands and feeling positive”.

“After undergoing a mastectomy and reconstruction, I could only hope that I was in the clear, which is why a new diagnosis of skin cancer came as a shock,” she wrote. “I’m now in the best hands and feeling positive with the support of my family.”

Fergie now faces an anxious wait to see if the disease has spread.

Her friends and family have rallied round her at her home in Windsor since she received the devastating news.