Canadian rocker Bif Naked has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The singer, 36, broke the news of her diagnosis Sunday on George Stroumboulopoulos’ radio show. The announcement comes just three months after her highly-publicized wedding to Vancouver Sun sports writer, Ian Walker.

Naked, whose real named is Beth Torbert, says she wants to remind women of the importance of breast-self-examination.

Her manager Peter Karroll said the singer discovered the lump in her breast during self-examination shortly before Christmas.

She is scheduled to undergo a lumpectomy this week, followed by chemotherapy.

“It’s serious enough for [doctors] to escalate all of their medical treatments,” Karroll said. “It’s not the worst and it’s not the easiest [level of cancer]. It’s stage 2 in that she’s getting some extensive surgery, a lumpectomy, and they’re going into her lymph nodes in one arm. The cancer is an aggressive form.”

Naked is known for leading a healthy lifestyle that involves no smoking, a strict fitness regimen and a vegan raw food diet.

“She thought she was indestructible, given her lifestyle, so she’s really concerned that other women do the checks,” Karroll said.

Naked, who has the word “survivor” tattooed on her arm, says she will take things “one day at a time” and keep up a positive attitude.

“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.

“With the help of my BodogMusic family 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.

“I’m glad it’s me and not my mom,” she said. “I’m glad it’s me and not my sister; I’m glad it’s me and not any of my friends. I am ready for the fight.”

Naked is a platinum-selling Juno Award winner, known for hit songs like “Daddy’s Getting Married” and “I Love Myself Today.”

She is currently working on her sixth album, the follow-up to 2005’s “Superbeautifulmonster,” as well as another recording project, “Jakkarta,” with heavy metal guitarist La Machina.








Related Stories: