Kylie Minogue breast cancer shock

Showbiz

13:30 17 May 2005

Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The beautiful singer is to undergo immediate surgery - forcing her to postpone the final leg of her acclaimed world tour.

The petite star discovered she had the potentially fatal illness while taking a rare holiday with her family in her homeland Australia.

She was due to begin her 20-date tour of the country on Thursday (19.05.05).

Kylie, 36, said in a statement: "I was so looking forward to bringing the 'Showgirl' tour to Australia and am sorry to disappoint my fans.

"Hopefully all will work out fine and I'll be back with you all again soon."

Long-time friend, her Australian concert promoter Michael Gudinski, said earlier today (17.05.05): "It was diagnosed this morning. She is a pretty fit, strong girl. I'm praying that everything will be OK because the doctor found it so early.

"Our thoughts, and the thoughts of all the legions of Kylie's fans, will be with her all the way."

Kylie's sister Dannii Minogue said: "It's very upsetting. But because the cancer has been diagnosed early we are all very optimistic.

"We are very thankful for the endless messages of love and support. I know all your kind thoughts will mean the world to her as she gets better."

(c) BANG Media International