Madness legend Chris Foreman made a heartbreaking admission as he opened up about the "worst part" of his devastating cancer diagnosis. On Friday, (August 29), the musician revealed that he had been diagnosed with myeloma, a form of blood cancer which can be managed with regular treatment. In his Facebook statement, which was posted on the band's page, Chris remains hopeful that he will get back to a "normal life" once he is in remission. 

The 80s icon revealed that doctors discovered a tumour on his spine when he underwent an MRI in June, after he started getting "unbearable" pain during a show in France. Chris penned: "Dear all, earlier this year, I had severe pain in my upper back and shoulders. On the 28th of June, we played a show in France, and it had become unbearable." He continued: "I had an MRI scan at the end of June and they found a tumour on my spine. On the 4th of July, I went to the Royal Sussex and had all sorts of stuff done to me. I had radiotherapy, which blasted it and stopped the pain."

The guitarist added: "What I've got is a form of cancer called myeloma. It's treatable but not curable. When I get it into remission (I will!) I should be able to get back to normal life."

As for the "worst" part of the diagnosis, Chris wrote: "One of the worst side effects is that I can't drink alcohol but I've mastered a non alcoholic Margarita and those Zero alcohol beers ain't too bad these days. It's been really hard not being onstage with the band this year. They've worked really hard and the shows looked great. 

"The band, my family, my road crew family and my management team have all been very loving and supportive. 

"I don't know how they did it without me, to be fair. I won't be able to do Butlins or the tour this year, which is a great shame but... 'I'LL BE BACK!'"

Chris is one of the original members of the British group, who rose to stardom with legendary hits such as Baggy Trousers and One Step Beyond.

The band was initially formed in 1976 as the North London Invaders, and Graham "Suggs" McPherson joined the following year. Over the years, there has been a huge turnaround within the group, with 15 members of Madness. 

This includes Dan Woodgate, Chas Smash, Mark Bedford, Paul Carrack, Terry Edwards and Jimmy Helms. 

Chris' announcement was inundated with support from fans as one penned: "Dear Chris, take the time to get back in shape. I’ve been a fan of Madness and you since 1979."

Another commented: "Wishing you well Chrissy Boy. A drummer friend of mine was also diagnosed with myeloma and responded really well to its treatment."

As a fourth penned: "Wishing you all the best and look forward to seeing you back with the band soon."