Donegal star Daniel O'Donnell reveals wife Majella is to shave hair off ahead of cancer treatment

Daniel O'Donnell's wife is preparing to be treated for breast cancer. (PA)

Irish singer Daniel O'Donnell has revealed his wife plans to shave off her hair before she starts chemotherapy for breast cancer next month.

The Donegal star said partner Majella is recovering after undergoing a successful lumpectomy and was told last week that she will start extra treatment on September 12.

The singer-songwriter revealed it had been a difficult time for them, but his wife was a strong and healthy woman who wanted to take control of her hair falling out.

"At the minute she is cutting her hair," said O'Donnell.

"She is going to have it shaved. She doesn't want her hair to fall out.

"She decided she is going to take charge of her hair going.

"It's very short now and her next step after she has her first treatment she is going to get it all off."

O'Donnell said reports that his 53-year-old wife was clear of cancer were incorrect, adding that he meant the surgery had removed the cancer but there was still a possibility she would need more treatment, like the majority of patients.

It is not yet known if she will also have to undergo radiation therapy, or if she will decide to undergo surgery to prevent the cancer reoccurring in the future, he added.

The internationally-renowned entertainer said his mother-in-law Marion will care of his wife when he leaves Ireland tomorrow to tour the United States and Canada.

O'Donnell, 51, said since the shock diagnoses over the summer the couple have been inundated with tremendous support from well-wishers, many of whom have told their stories about how they have survived the disease.

He said the reason they went public was because she caught the disease early, her outlook was positive and treatable, and they wanted to encourage other people to seek help.

O'Donnell urged men and women to get checked out if worried about cancer.

"It's better to go on a fool's errand than wait too long," he said.

Majella has been heavily involved in her husband's music career since their marriage in 2002.

They have made numerous personal appearances together throughout the years and Majella has joined her husband on stage for a duet on many occasions.

The couple met while O'Donnell was on holiday in Tenerife in 1999.

He proposed on Christmas Day 2001 - saying he was so happy it was almost sickening.

PA