Though we have made great strides in combatting this devastating illness, more than 200, 000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and tens of thousands are expected to lose their lives to the disease.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

In support of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, read this emotionally inspiring interview with Karen Vaniver, MD to find out how having cancer made her a better doctor, why she believes cancer can be used as a stimulus for positive life growth, and her advice for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

FORBES: Cancer Made Me Nice: An Interview With Survivor Karen Vaniver, MD

Mr Riddiford said that as well as family support, Kylie would be getting support from her many show business friends including Olivia Newton-John, who was diagnosed with breast cancer more than a decade ago.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | South East Wales | Family shock at Kylie's illness

All the affected women had already been diagnosed with breast cancer, but there were problems with further tests to see what treatment would be most effective.

BBC: Interim chief executive Dr Mark Goldman