Cancer forces singer to cancel tour

Singer Melissa Etheridge has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has cancelled upcoming US tour dates to undergo treatment.

Etheridge, 43, will undergo surgery and a “speedy and complete recovery” is expected by her doctor, publicist Marcel Pariseau said.

The cancer was detected early and Etheridge has been receiving treatment.

“I am fortunate to be under a wonderful doctor’s care and thankful that this was caught early,” Etheridge said in the statement. “I am looking forward to a quick and full recovery.”

Lesbians Etheridge and actress Tammy Lynn Michaels held a commitment ceremony a year ago.

The musician, who lives in Los Angeles, shares custody of a daughter and son with former partner Julie Cypher, who had the children through artificial insemination using a sperm donation from rocker David Crosby.