Kylie Minogue lived with the ‘toll’ fame can have on your mental health

Kylie’s most recent performance was at Radio 2 In The Park in Leicester on September 17, and you would be forgiven for not knowing that the pop star has faced mental health challenges and cancer. Now 55 years old, Kylie – who found fame on Australian soap opera Neighbours – told Rolling Stone UK her mental health battle. “What I think is great for a lot of people now is that there’s a discussion about mental health and the toll [fame] can take on people,” Kylie said. “I had that, I lived that.” The entertainer added: “I was able to manage that myself and with my family and close friends [to] navigate those waters.” Kylie elaborated: “It wasn’t a decision [to stay private], it was a reaction to protect myself and to protect my family, because they would go through it with you.” At the age of 36, in 2005, Kylie was dealt a sore diagnosis when told she had breast cancer. Travelling the world to promote her Showgirl tour at the time, Kylie said the impact it had on her remains with her today. Talking to Who Magazine, Kylie said: “Cancer changed many things forever… my view of the world was different.” Kylie realised her illness made her more compassionate and she was extremely grateful for the support she received. “People shone so bright for me in those dark days,” she said. “The strength my family showed was extraordinary.” She said: “The love, support and the kindness of strangers! I was so very aware of, and grateful for, all that had gone before me.” Breast cancer Cancer Research UK says “breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK”. Symptoms of breast cancer can include: A new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit A change in size, shape or feel of your breast Skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin Fluid leaking from the nipple in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding Changes in the position of the nipple. Anybody noticing such symptoms should have their health checked over by their doctor, as prompt treatment of breast cancer can mean you return to your own life much sooner. Kylie, the multi-award-winning singer – having won a Grammy, three Brit Awards and 17 ARITA Music Awards – has a Las Vegas residency in November at Voltaire nightclub at The Venetian. In 2024, she is expected to tour the UK, performing classic hits and from her new album. Watch Kylie Live in the Park on Saturday, September 22 on BBC Two at 10.05pm.