Kylie Minogue Undergoes Surgery

Australian pop star Kylie Minogue had a cancerous lump successfully removed from her breast and doctors are confident they caught the disease early enough to prevent it spreading, a surgeon announced Saturday.

Dr. Jenny Senior said the 36-year-old underwent surgery Friday afternoon at the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Hospital in her home town of Melbourne.

"Kylie has been the perfect patient and has charmed all my staff," Senior said, reading from a prepared statement. "I just wish I could have met her under happier circumstances."

Minogue had announced earlier this week that she had breast cancer, would undergo surgery, and would cancel an upcoming Australian tour. The pop diva was first launched to international fame in 1988 with her song "I Should Be So Lucky," which topped British charts for five weeks.

"Her spirits are high and she's feeling fine. She has family and friends around her," Senior told reporters gathered outside the hospital. "Kylie has asked me to pass on her thanks once again to all who have expressed their love and concern for her. Your support has certainly helped her through a tough time," the surgeon added.

Earlier Saturday, a cancer charity official said fans sent $6,035 to a special fund set up by an Australian charity, after they were encouraged to donate to cancer research rather than send flowers and cards.

Meanwhile, Australia's Sky News reported that news teams camped outside the Minogue family home in Melbourne were pelted with eggs in the early hours of Saturday by a gang of masked youths. There were no injuries and police made no arrests.