Singer Anastacia has been forced to cancel her European tour after being diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. The 44-year-old star announced the sad news on her Facebook fan page in a post reading "Anastacia has sadly been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time after having successfully survived her 2003 battle with the disease. Consequently she has been forced to cancel all performances, tours and any travel from now until further notice. Anastacia was excited about her forthcoming European tour which was due to start April 6th in London."
A personal quote from the Paid My Dues singer also featured in the message, saying "I feel so awful to be letting down all my amazing fans who were looking forward to 'It's A Man's World Tour'. It just breaks my heart to disappoint them" The post was met by a wealth of response from fans offering support and good wishes and tweets to the star have also flooded in.
Anastacia has asked for privacy as she tackles the illness for a second time but will continue the writing and recording of her new album despite her diagnosis and hopes to schedule a new tour as soon as possible.
Chicago-born Anastacia's official statement also said she is determined, now more than ever, "to live by her motto "'Don't ever let cancer get the 'Best of You!' A born survivor, Anastacia has one goal and that is to make a full recovery with the support of her family, friends and everyone around her."
The philanthropic singer also set up The Anastacia Fund to help raise funds and awareness about the illness, specifically targetting younger female sufferers. The singer expressed concern that women under 40 are not generally targeted for screenings, except in situations where there is a family history of breast cancer, and wanted to help make a difference after a mammogram helped save her own life.
Following her first diagnosis, a decage ago, Anastacia used her musical talent to help tackle the disease. In 2008 she performed at the Pink Ribbon Gala in Stockholm along with nine female artists who have fought breast cancer.
Anastacia now works in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to raise funds that help treat and research the cancer.
