SEARCHES for skin cancer information have rocketed since Sarah Ferguson revealed her “shock” diagnosis this week.
The Duchess of York said on Sunday her doctors found she has skin cancer just six months after surgery for a breast tumour.
In the next 48 hours, visits to the NHS melanoma skin cancer information page surged eight-fold.
There were 13,662 views compared to 1,624 in the same period the week before.
It was the second royal boost in a week after King Charles’ prostate battle led to a ten-fold increase in searches for information about prostate enlargement.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS cancer director, said: “Skin cancers come in many different shapes and sizes, and they can be different for everyone.
“Diagnosing cancer early saves lives, so we would always prefer to see you sooner if you are worried about a symptom.
“It might not be cancer but catching it early helps give people the best chance of successful treatment.”
The main symptom of melanoma is a mole that changes or becomes painful, itchy or bloody.
Around 17,000 people are diagnosed every year in the UK and survival rates are good, with nine in 10 surviving for a decade or more.
Fergie, 64, urged Brits to check themselves for signs of disease.
The Duchess said: “Another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.
“I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent.”