Kylie Minogue Reveals Second Breast Cancer Diagnosis in 2021

A documentary titled Kylie, directed by Michael Harte, has been released on Netflix on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, delving deep into Kylie Minogue’s career. Through three episodes, the filmmaker delves into the Australian singer’s personal archives to detail her life and journey.

It is in this documentary that Kylie Minogue revealed for the first time that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, fifteen years after her initial diagnosis and recovery.

Keeping Kylie Minogue’s Secret

Kylie Minogue spoke on camera about this previously undisclosed diagnosis. “My second cancer diagnosis dates back to early 2021. I was able to keep it to myself… Unlike the first time,” she emphasized, referring to her first treatment, which was widely publicized.

She added, “Thankfully, I overcame this ordeal. Again. And all is well. Who knows what the future holds, but pop music sustains me… My passion for music is stronger than ever.”

In 2005, Kylie Minogue had been diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005. After canceling her Showgirl tour, she underwent treatment in Melbourne while facing intrusive media attention, prompting the Premier of the Australian state of Victoria to intervene.

Kylie Minogue and the “Right Moment” to Announce her Diagnosis

In Kylie, the Australian singer admitted that she struggled to “find the right time” to publicly announce her diagnosis, especially after the massive success of her song Padam Padam, honored at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

“I didn’t feel obligated to shout it from the rooftops, and also, at the time, I simply wasn’t capable,” she explained. “At one point, I didn’t want to leave my house anymore. Padam Padam opened so many doors for me, but deep down, I knew that cancer wasn’t just a bump in the road.”

She continued, “I really wanted to tell the story to be able to turn the page. I was attending interviews and every time, I thought, ‘This is it,’ but I kept everything to myself.” Her song Story, released in 2023 from the album Tension, specifically references this period of her life.