BREAST cancer experts are reassuring women in Dorset that cases of the disease are rare in those under 40, following news that pop star Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with a tumour.

The 36-year-old singer announced on May 17 that she was in the early stages of breast cancer and has had to postpone the remaining Australian leg of her world tour and cancel her appearance at the Glastonbury Festival as a result.

Kylie's tour company Frontier Touring said she had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer while at home with her family in Melbourne.

The pop star added: "Hopefully all will work out fine and I'll be back with you all again soon.

"I was so looking forward to bringing the Showgirl tour to Australian audiences, and I'm sorry to have to disappoint my fans."

She is now expected to undergo immediate treatment.

She is not the first high-profile pop star to reveal a diagnosis of breast cancer. In 2003, US singer Anastasia announced she was to have surgery to remove a lump at the age of only 29.

Jo Neate, breast care nurse at Poole Hospital, said that just five per cent of breast cancer patients seen at the hospital were under the age of 40.

She added: "That's how unlikely it is.

"It is rare for ladies under the age of 40 to get breast cancer.

"I think it's very unfortunate for Kylie Minogue to get this at such a young age, but I'm sure she will be very pro-active."

Jo said awareness of breast cancer was very high as it was, but that Kylie's experiences would only serve to highlight the issue further.

She added: "Lumps are very common in younger ladies and these nearly always turn out to be from a benign cause.

"However it is always a good idea to be checked out by your GP who can refer you on as necessary."

First published: May 18