The Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, who recently marked five years in remission from breast cancer, broke down and cried during a television interview as she recalled the "really rotten dark moments".
The 42-year-old was interviewed by a veteran journalist and music critic, Ian "Molly" Meldrum, on the eve of her Aphrodite concert tour. Minogue was diagnosed with cancer in May 2005 and given the all-clear the following February.
During the interview, broadcast on Channel Seven's Sunday Night programme, she became emotional when Meldrum - a close friend - reminded her that many women had sought breast cancer screening as a result of publicity surrounding her plight.
But it was memories of a visit to the children's ward of a cancer hospital in 2005 that made Minogue break down.
Recalling an encounter with a sick child, she said: "I was saying the things I would normally say in that situation, just making conversation with the child, the parents, giving them some support as well. And then they really caught me off guard, they just eyeballed me and said: 'How are you, and we hope you get through it', and it's like ..."
Minogue then left the room to compose herself, explaining on her return: "The reason that gets me ... I think the greatest part of my job and what I do is the humanity of it. And there's certain moments where that really cuts through."
When Meldrum complimented her on her courage, the London-based singer replied: "You might have seen the bravery, I don't think the public really saw ... I stayed indoors, and it was my family who supported me through really rotten, dark moments."
The interview took place before Minogue's A$25 million ($34.3 million) Greek mythology-themed tour opened in Denmark last month. Shortly afterwards, she told her fans on Twitter, the micro-blogging site: "Five years in remission! Love and gratitude for your support, love and positivity if you are in need."
Minogue, who sent a message of love to New Zealand after the Christchurch earthquake, told Meldrum: "Anyone who's been through cancer or any other disease, with surgeries and treatments, knows you have constant reminders that this is not how it used to be."
Asked about marriage and children, she did not rule out marrying her boyfriend of three years, the Spanish model Andres Velencoso.
"It might happen, who knows?" she said, adding that Velencoso "is a natural with children".
The pop star also urged women to use "whatever means" they wanted to have children. In a previous interview, Minogue - who believes she may not be able to conceive naturally because of the cancer treatment - said she would consider adoption or surrogacy.
Kylie Minogue. Photo / Dean Purcell
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