Grease star Olivia Newton-John announces third cancer battle

Actress, singer and all-round musical legend Olivia Newton-John has revealed on an Australian TV show that she is battling her third cancer diagnosis. The 69-year-old was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, but she didn't publicly announce that it had returned in 2002 until last night's interview.

Explaining why she kept the news private at the time, she said, "I thought, it’s my life and I just decided to keep it to myself."

Despite winning the battle twice before, the cancer has now returned for a third time in the bottom of Olivia's spine, but she is determined to 'win over it' .

She said, "My husband’s always there, and he’s always there to support me, and I believe I will win over it and that’s my goal."

Talking about her treatment, Olivia said, "I'm one of millions in this fight - I shouldn't say fight - in this journey.

"I'm still treating it, I'm treating it naturally and I'm doing really well."

Olivia Newton-John is best known for her role in classic musical Grease and a pop career that saw 80s hits such as 'Let's Get Physical'.

After her first battle in the 90s, Olivia became an advocate for breast cancer screenings in Australia and a cancer centre called the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Research Centre was set up.

Last year, Olivia was forced to postpone her US tour following a cancer diagnosis, according to a statement on Facebook she had found that her severe back pain was due to the disease spreading.

We're sending our love to Olivia and her family.

• Olivia Newton-John