Minogue recovering after breast cancer surgery

Australian pop diva Kylie Minogue was recuperating on Sunday after successful breast cancer surgery, as fans wished her a speedy recovery.

Minogue, 36, underwent surgery for early breast cancer on Friday at a Melbourne hospital, and her surgeon was confident the cancer had been caught in time.

Local media reported that Kylie left the Cabrini hospital in Melbourne on Saturday, but there was no indication where she would stay during her convalescence.

"It has been a huge, and very popular exhibition," said Suzie Campbell, gallery spokeswoman.

"Because the concerts were postponed, a lot of people have probably come to feel close to her by being able to relive her old concerts by seeing them on the exhibition's cinema screen, and through the costumes," she said.

Minogue's surgeon, Dr Jenny Senior, gave no details about the operation or any follow-up procedures.

However, Dr Cindy Pam, a medical commentator on Australia's Network Seven, said breast surgery patients would normally undergo a course of radiotherapy.

"What extra treatments are required will depend on the size of the tumour and the grade of the tumour, as in how aggressive it is, and of course whether or not there is any spread to the lymph nodes," Dr Cindy Pam said.

"The thing with breast cancer is it's sort of a long-term treatment. The main thing is you don't want to have any further recurrences."

Minogue said on Tuesday she had been diagnosed with early breast cancer and postponed her Australian and Asian "Showgirl Tour" concerts, while her management said initial tests had shown the cancer was confined to the breast.

Younger sister Dannii, also a pop singer, flew from London to join family and friends by her side.

The Sunday Telegraph newspaper quoted an unnamed family friend as saying Minogue, her boyfriend - the French film actor Olivier Martinez - and her family hoped she would be performing again soon.

Minogue, signed to EMI, is worth about A$60 million (US$46 million), according to a 2004 list of rich, young Australians compiled by BRW magazine.

News of her breast cancer has dominated Australian and British media and has attracted words of sympathy and support from some of the music industry's biggest names.

Australian and international media have camped outside the Minogue family home since news of the cancer broke.

Australian clinics have reported a flood of women seeking breast cancer check-ups. There is currently no cure for the disease, with the medical focus on early detection as the best way to survive.