Brian May: Queen Star Has Cancer Tests

Queen guitarist Brian May has undergone "urgent" cancer tests over the Christmas period.

MRI scans showed the rock star and astrophysicist had "abnormalities in the bones", he confirmed on his website.

The 66-year-old's doctor organised the tests after he complained of severe pain affecting his ability to stand up.

May, who is also a campaigner against the culling of badgers, said he was feeling optimistic despite the health scare.

In a blog post on December 28, he said: "So around Christmas I've been having a succession of blood tests, ultrasounds, and various kinds of scans, to see if they could rule out various kinds of cancer.

"Now, on hearing the 'C' word something happens inside you ... of course. I've seen so many of my dear friends fighting it ... and my Dad lost his battle at age 66, exactly the age I am now.

"So over the last few days I've been in various states of unrest. But the great thing has been that the team my GP assembled to check out the possibilities has moved Heaven and Earth to gather all the information I need quickly over the Christmas period ... not an easy time."

May, who is married to actress Anita Dobson, thanked his fans for their support in an update on December 30.

"I've been overwhelmed by the amazing messages you've been sending me, folks, since I wrote about my 'Health Scare'," he said.

"It's taken me by surprise - for many reasons. I really didn't realise how much you guys were gunning for me ... it's great to know that, and I can't thank you enough. It puts a smile on my face.

"But I didn't realise that biting the bullet and mentioning the 'C' word would unlock such an avalanche. I now realise that so many of you have been wrestling with this all along, personally, or in family or friends, and, like me, found it hard to share.

"Hearing of your experiences, and courage, and hopes, and solutions, has been a massive eye-opener for me."

May said he is continuing with preparations for a scheduled tour while he waits for the test results.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.