KYLIE Minogue's sister Dannii thanked well-wishers who sent messages of support to the Australian-born former Neighbours actress when they heard about her breast cancer diagnosis.

Dannii said: "The news is very upsetting, although as the cancer has been diagnosed at such an early stage we are all very optimistic that everything will be OK.

"We're all very thankful for the endless messages of love and support Kylie has been receiving.

I know all your kind thoughts will mean the world to her as she gets better."

Kylie's Australian tour was scheduled to open in Sydney tomorrow.

The 37-year-old singer shocked fans when she released a statement with news of the diagnosis.

Kylie potentially faces months of surgery and treatment as she battles to beat breast cancer.

An operation to remove the tumour will be the most likely starting point of her cancer journey, as well as helping doctors to decide what course her treatment will take.

Around 42,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, of which an estimated 2,000 are in their 20s and 30s.