Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding has revealed that she is battling breast cancer

Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding has revealed she is fighting breast cancer, which has now spread.

Disclosing the news to her fans on Twitter and Instagram, the 38 year old performer explained that she had been diagnosed with the disease earlier in the year.

Despite undergoing treatment, this month she was given the "devastating news" that the cancer had “advanced” to other parts of her body.

Why did she choose to reveal the news?

Harding explained that she had decided to go public with her cancer diagnosis after being spotted in hospital last week and told fans she was "trying to keep positive.”

Along with the news, Harding also shared a selfie taken in hospital and thanked her family and friends for their support, as well as the NHS staff.

How did her bandmates and fans respond?

Responding to the news, her Girls Aloud bandmate Nadine Coyle commented on Harding's Instagram, writing “I love you! You have always been able to achieve miracles when needed! I am here for all the way & always will be!"

Meanwhile, former bandmate and former X Factor judge, Cheryl posted a broken heart emoji.