Kylie Minogue is opening up about a deeply personal chapter of her life. In her new Netflix documentary, Kylie, the Grammy-winning singer revealed that she was secretly diagnosed with cancer for a second time in 2021, more than 15 years after first battling breast cancer in 2005.
While reflecting on why she kept the diagnosis private, Kylie admitted, “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. I didn’t want to leave the house again at one point.” She added that although “Padam Padam” helped revive her career in a major way, she was still quietly struggling behind the scenes. “Cancer wasn’t just a blip in my life,” Kylie said. “I really just wanted to say what happened so I can let go of it.”
Find out more about Kylie’s health journey and how she’s doing today below.
Kylie is currently 57 years old. She was born on May 28, 1968, in Melbourne, Australia.
Kylie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005 at age 36. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy treatment before being declared cancer-free in 2006. In her new 2026 Netflix documentary, KYLIE, she revealed that she was privately diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time in early 2021 after a routine check-up.
Kylie says she is doing well today and is now speaking publicly about her second cancer diagnosis for the first time. Reflecting on the emotional toll of the experience, she admitted, “I was just a shell of a person” and said she struggled to leave the house during that period. The singer explained that she ultimately decided to share her story because she wanted to “let go of it” after years of keeping it private while continuing to work and release music.
Kylie also stressed the importance of regular screenings and support systems for others facing similar experiences. “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,” she said. “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.”
