Pop star Anastacia is recovering from a double mastectomy following her second breast cancer diagnosis in February.
The 45-year-old singer announced that she had undergone the procedure in a reassuring message to fans, saying she was recovering well.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time earlier this year and am currently in the final stages of recovery after undergoing a double mastectomy,” she said, according to the Daily Mail.
“It has been an intense journey but I am feeling great and ready to start the next chapter.”
Anastacia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, and overcame the disease through surgery and radiation.
She bravely revealed her motivation for going public with news of her struggle was to help others.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives all who are facing this disease a chance to gain strength and support from each other,” she said.
“Early detection has save my life twice. I will continue to battle and lend my voice in any way I can.”
The singer, who also suffers from incurable bowel condition Crohn’s disease, cancelled her February tour following her breast cancer diagnosis saying she felt “so awful” to let down her fans.
“It just breaks my heart to disappoint them,” she said.
Earlier this year, Angelina Jolie revealed she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy to reduce her risk of developing breast cancer, bringing attention to the early detection of breast cancer.
Writing in the New York Times, the Oscar-winning actress also used her experience to reach out to women and encourage awareness of early detection.
“I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices,” she said.
“Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of.”
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