Lebanese-Syrian singer Dina Hayek announces cancer diagnosis on World Breast Cancer Month

Lebanese-Syrian actress and singer Dina Hayek announced on Sunday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 'Tal El Sahar’ singer has been suffering from "severe pain" after being diagonsed with stage three cancer, the star told Al Jaras magazine in an exclusive interview.

Hayek decided to open up about her experiences to raise awareness about the disease coinciding with World Breast Cancer Month which runs from 1 to 31 October

"The most important thing is that a person remains positive and does not become weak when going through difficult circumstances… but instead overcoming them with strength and faith," Hayek said. 

Social media platforms sent their best wishes to the singer, including a number of celebrities.

Lebanese singer Najwa Karam and Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim were among those who wished Hayek well. 

"Be well Dina, god willing, god will cure you… we love you and we and your audience are waiting for you to be well again," Karam tweeted.

"Be well Dina, I wish you a speedy recovery and stay strong and positive to overcome this illness. May god protect and be with you," Njeim wrote.

Stage 3 breast cancer means the cancer cells have spread from the breast to lymph nodes close to the breast or to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall, according to Cancer Research UK. 

For more information on breast cancer visit the Wear It Pink website.