Kylie Minogue has been awarded an honorary doctorate in health science.

Pop princess Kylie Minoguehas been awarded an honorary doctorate in health sciences for her work in promoting breast cancer awareness. The singer was diagnosed with the illness in 2005 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. She has been cancer-free for six years.

Kylie Minogue, 43, collected the honorary Doctorate of Health Sciences from Anglia Ruskin University at a ceremony in Chelmsford. Dressed in a traditional cap and gown she spoke to about 220 graduates at the ceremony:

“I never went to university so my dad will be very proud when he sees the pictures.I am here partly for the work I do promoting breast cancer awareness. When you are diagnosed yourself it becomes a lot more real and you appreciate at first hand the hard work that goes on to support patients through.”

Kylie Minogue, who is now entitled to call herself Doctor, later took to her twitter page to express her delight of receiving honorary Doctorate at the ceremony:

“Thank u Anglia Ruskin for such an honour!!!!(Sic)”-she wrote.

She is one of 12 people to receive honorary degrees at the university; the others including novelist Jilly Cooper, economist Kate Barker, accessories designer Anya Hindmarch, five-time Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, and television sports presenter Manish Bhasin.

Kylie Minogue’s well-publicised diagnosis has been credited with encouraging young women to undergo screening, the so-called “Kylie effect.”

Raising Breast cancer awareness: Kylie Minogue receives her honorary Doctorate.