LOS ANGELES (AP) - Singer Melissa Etheridge has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has canceled upcoming tour dates to undergo treatment, according to her publicist.

Etheridge, 43, will undergo surgery and her doctor expects a ``speedy and complete recovery,'' publicist Marcel Pariseau said in a statement.

The cancer was detected early and Etheridge has been receiving treatment, Pariseau said Thursday.

``I am fortunate to be under a wonderful doctor's care and thankful that this was caught early,'' Etheridge said in the statement. ``I am looking forward to a quick and full recovery.''


Etheridge and actress Tammy Lynn Michaels held a commitment ceremony in September 2003. The musician, who lives in Los Angeles, shares custody of a daughter and son with former partner Julie Cypher, who had the children through artificial insemination using a sperm donation from rocker David Crosby.


Etheridge's latest album, ``Lucky,'' was released in February. Refunds for tickets to her upcoming shows will be available where they were bought; the entertainer's Web site says she had been scheduled to play 11 dates in seven cities this month.


On the Net:
Melissa Etheridge: http://www.melissaetheridge.com
10/08/04 08:00 © Copyright The Associated Press.

Man, I don't wish this upon anyone.

I hope she hangs in there and things turn out well, I enjoy her work.


[Edited 10/8/04 6:24am]

Best wishes to her.

Yet another person to face this awful disease. Like everyone dealing with this, they are in my prayers. May we see an end to it in our lifetime!

I'm really sorry to hear this.
Best wishes to her and her family.

I really like Melissa. I hope she makes a full recovery. She has real talent and seems like a great gal.

she keeps a good attitude and beats this, I love her music

God Bless her. She's second only to Prince as my favorites go, I'll be praying for her.