Kylie Minogue reveals she had second cancer diagnosis in 2021

Kylie Minogue has disclosed that she received a second cancer diagnosis in 2021, following her previous successful treatment for breast cancer in 2005.

In her self-titled new Netflix documentary released on Wednesday, the Australian singer reflected on her experiences, stating she "got through it, again," while choosing to keep the news private.

"My second cancer diagnosis was in early 2021. I was able to keep that to myself," shared Minogue, 57. "Not like the first time."

"Fortunately, I got through it, and all is well," she added. "Hey, who knows what’s around the corner, but pop music nurtures me... my passion for music is stronger than ever."

Minogue expressed the difficulty she faced in determining the right moment to share her experience, especially against the backdrop of her Grammy-winning 2023 dance-pop single "Padam Padam."

"I don’t feel obliged to tell the world, and honestly, I just couldn’t at the time because I was a shell of a person," Minogue admitted.

"There was a moment when I didn't want to leave the house. 'Padam Padam' opened many doors for me, but internally I understood that cancer wasn't just a minor event in my life.

"And I really wanted to share what happened so I could let go of it. During interviews, I thought, 'now’s the time', but I kept it private."

Though she did not publicly disclose her situation to fans or journalists, Minogue subtly referenced her second battle with cancer through her 2023 album "Tension."

One track, titled "Story," features the lyrics: "I had a secret that I kept to myself / Turn another page, baby take the stage."

In the three-part documentary directed by Michael Harte, who previously worked on the David Beckham film, Minogue stated: "I needed to have something that marked that time."

Minogue, who was diagnosed following a routine check-up, emphasized that her choice to share this information is meant to serve as a "gentle reminder" for others to undergo their check-ups.

"Early detection was incredibly beneficial, and I am profoundly grateful to say that I am well today," she remarked in the film’s promotional materials.

First cancer diagnosis and recovery

Upon her initial diagnosis with breast cancer in 2005, the singer was forced to cancel the remainder of her Showgirl greatest hits tour and withdraw from the headline slot at Glastonbury Festival's Sunday legends spot to pursue treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

This diagnosis received extensive media coverage at the time, prompting a wave of support from fans and public figures alike.

As one of the few female celebrities at that time to publicly discuss a cancer diagnosis, Minogue received commendations for raising awareness about the disease.

This initiative resulted in a significant increase in women seeking breast cancer screenings, particularly in Australia, where it was referred to as the "Kylie effect."

Minogue revealed to Netflix producers that she had postponed her treatment in hopes of undergoing multiple rounds of IVF to conceive a child.

"I was 36 when I received my diagnosis, so it’s crucial to think about children," she explained in the film.

"I did try; I even delayed my chemotherapy, which was quite frightening at the time because naturally, you want it removed, gone."

She added, "If it had succeeded, it would have been just shy of a miracle. But it didn’t work out that way."

Minogue was eventually declared cancer-free and, in 2008, discovered that she had been misdiagnosed and previously told she "was alright and had nothing to worry about."

She finally graced Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2019—14 years later than anticipated—emotionally performing a greatest hits set that became the festival’s most-watched performance.

Recent achievements and documentary

In December of last year, Minogue secured a UK Christmas number one single and album chart double.

The new docuseries chronicles Minogue's journey from her early days in the Australian soap "Neighbours" to becoming one of pop's premier stars with hits like "Can’t Get You Out Of My Head" and "Spinning Around."

It includes archival footage and interviews with friends and family, including her former "Neighbours" co-star and ex-boyfriend Jason Donovan, her sister Dannii, and musician Nick Cave.