Canadian punk rock singer Bif Naked has gone public after being diagnosed with breast cancer, saying she is facing the fight of her life and urging other women to ensure they regularly check for cancer. The 36-year-old tattooed singer, who was married three months ago, broke the news in a radio interview on Sunday with her record label Bodog Music issuing a statement on Monday.
“It is a very surreal situation for (my husband) Ian and I at this time,” she said.
Bif Naked, who was born Beth Torbert in India and adopted by American missionaries with whom she moved to Winnipeg,
Manitoba, said she discovered a lump during a self breast examination two weeks ago and it was found to be cancer.
“It’s been two weeks from being completely healthy to cancer patient with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy scheduled,” said the singer.
But Naked said she was determined to tackle this with a positive attitude and would continue the work on two projects — her new album and a recording project, Jakkarta, with Spanish-born, death-metal guitarist La Machina.
“I have never been one to give up when an obstacle is placed in front of me. I am in the fight of my life, and I’m lucky to have the support of my husband Ian and many friends and family members,” she said.
“I plan to continue working on these recording projects in between the cancer treatments and come out the other side with two great albums and a clean bill of health.
“It is important for everyone to understand that cancer is non discriminatory and even those in great health can be subject to cancer as a diagnosis. I urge all women at every age to self examine and go for scheduled mammograms.”
The American Cancer Society has estimated about 465,000 women would die of breast cancer in 2007, making it the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide.