Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Australian pop star, who turns 37 next week, has postponed the Australian and Asian leg of her showgirl - The Greatest Hits tour.

Her management released a statement saying:

"Whilst at home in Melbourne with her family this week prior to her Australian Showgirl tour, Kylie was diagnosed with early breast cancer."

"She will undergo immediate treatment and consequently her Australian tour will not be able to proceed as planned."

In a statement Kylie herself 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."

The Frontier Touring Company, who were promoting her tour in Australia, confirmed that the tour dates across Australia had been postponed - but that those who've bought them should hang on to their tickets pending the announcement of new Showgirl dates.

After Australia, she was due to take the tour to Asia, performing in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.

A spokesman for EMI, her record company in the region, said: "The whole Asian tour will be postponed - we just got word from the promoter."

This was thought to be Kylie's last major tour, and nearly two months ago when she opening it in Glasgow, she said:

"This tour is not only a celebration of pop songs, and of my career, but also of a long term relationship with my audience."

"This is my way of saying thank you and of sharing some of the most important moments of my journey so far."

Source: Press Release