Cancer battle: Kylie cancels tour to begin treatment

MESSAGES of love and support have poured in for pop icon Kylie Minogue after it was announced yesterday she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The singer, who will be 37 later this month, cancelled her sell-out tour of Australia after the diagnosis, her touring company said.

In a statement, Kylie said: “I was so looking forward to bringing the Showgirl tour to Australian audiences and am sorry to have to disappoint my fans. Nevertheless, hopefully all will work out fine and I’ll be back with you all again soon.”

Her management said the diagnosis was confirmed this week during a visit to her family in Melbourne and said she will start treatment immediately.

Kylie has a huge fanbase in Ireland and sold out The Point in April for her raunchy Showgirl hit tour.

After taking the tour home this month, the diminutive star was set to headline at the Glastonbury Festival in June.

After a 10-year lull in her career, the workaholic singer became a global icon after a massive comeback with Spinning Around in 2000. The video, which featured Kylie in gold hotpants, made her as famous for her bottom as her vocal ability.

Colleagues, friends and fans have begun to send their wishes.

Actress Anne Charleston, who played Madge alongside Kylie in Neighbours, told GMTV that hearing the news was “like a stab to the heart”.