‘80s Pop Icon Reveals Secret 2021 Battle With Cancer
In her Netflix documentary, Kylie Minogue revealed she was diagnosed with cancer for a second time in early 2021, after successfully receiving treatment for breast cancer in 2005.
"Thankfully, I got through it. Again. And all is well. Hey, who knows what's around the corner, but pop music nurtures me … my passion for music is greater than ever." she said.
The Australian pop star was forced to cancel a worldwide tour and a slot at Glastonbury in 2005 due to her breast cancer diagnosis. This second time, she kept the news under wraps, admitting she struggled "to find the right time" to announce it publicly. In 2023, Padam Padam became Kylie's biggest international hit in years and won her a Grammy Award.
"I don't feel obliged to tell the world, and actually I just couldn't at the time because I was just a shell of a person," she said in the new documentary.
"I didn't want to leave the house again at one point. Padam Padam opened so many doors for me but on the inside I knew that cancer wasn't just a blip in my life. And I really just wanted to say what happened so I can let go of it. I'd sit through interviews and every opportunity I thought, ‘now's the time', but I kept it to myself," Kylie added, according to The Guardian.
Her reasoning for not revealing her health news to the public may be due to her treatment in 2005. The popstar and actress was subjected to intrusive media attention that created a discussion in her homeland of Australia about privacy laws around medical records. In January 2006, the star revealed she had finished her chemotherapy.
Kylie explained in promotion material for this new three-part docu-series: "There are so many people for whom cancer is part of their life, and I get it; you just want to move on and put it in the past or park it to the side. But, check-ups are incredibly important. It can be daunting and triggering but please be mindful of just how vital they are - and reach out for help if you need it, you're not alone."
The singer made this shocking revelation in the third episode of the docuseries. When asked why she chose now to speak up about her personal experience, she explained why now was important. "Making this documentary has meant looking back at so many pivotal moments in my life and this was another one. I also know there will be someone out there who will benefit from a gentle reminder to do their check-ups," she said, per The Mirror.
"As part of my routine check-ups in 2021, I was diagnosed with a second primary breast cancer. Early detection was very helpful and I am so grateful to be able to say that I am well today."
In this new series, the pop princess also explains that she hit the studio as a coping mechanism during her battle. The song "Story" from the album Tensions hints at her behind-the-scenes struggles: "I had a secret that I kept to myself … Turn another page, baby take the stage." Minogue said about the song, before adding: "I needed to have something that marked that time."
Kylie is streaming on Netflix now.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 5:34 PM.