The Jezabels cancel world tour as keyboardist Heather Shannon has treatment for ovarian cancer

AS award-winning Sydney band The Jezabels prepare to release their third album, their keyboard player faces treatment for a “unique” form of ovarian cancer.

Undated publicity pic of Sydney band 'The Jezabels'.

AWARD-WINNING indie pop band The Jezabels have shocked fans with the sudden cancellation of their world tour as keyboardist Heather Shannon undergoes treatment for ovarian cancer.

The band revealed Shannon was diagnosed with an “unique” form of the disease three years ago while the rock quartet were working on their second album The Brink.

They were heading out on a two-month tour of Australia, Europe and America in support of the release of their third album Synthia on February 12.

“Three years ago Heather was diagnosed with a unique type of ovarian cancer. Although she has been able to maintain life as usual generally, between treatments, the time has come for her to undergo further immediate treatment which will require her to stay in Sydney,” the band posted on their website on Friday.

Third record ... The Jezabels have been preparing to release their new album Synthia on February 12. Picture: Noel Kessel

“We were very excited to be hitting the road again in support of our third album, Synthia, but sadly due to a sudden turn of events, Heather’s condition requires attention now so touring in the proposed time frame is no longer possible.”

Shannon said she was frustrated by the “roadblock” in her treatment as she was determined to maintain her creative endeavours while battling cancer.

She is hopeful the band will be able to tour again in the “near future” and encouraged fans to support ovarian cancer research.

“Up until now, I have preferred to not let this diagnosis get in the way of getting on with life. I feel a deep frustration at this new roadblock, as I now have to take a step back and undergo treatment,” she said.

“The band means so much to me, and cancelling the tour has been a very sad decision.

“I am hopeful that in the near future we will be back on the road again playing music we love. This album means so much to us, and we were so looking forward to sharing it live with everyone.

Undergoing treatment ... Heather Shannon is fighting a unique form of ovarian cancer

“Having said that, I feel very lucky to be in the care of the public health system here in Australia. I have met many inspiring people and I am receiving the best treatment possible.

“There is a lot of research going into ovarian cancer at the moment, and a big push for awareness.”

Shannon suggests fans check out ovariancancer.net.au and anzgog.org.au.

The Jezabels formed in Sydney in 2007, with Hayley Mary on vocals, Nik Kaloper on drums, Samuel Lockwood on lead guitar and Shannon on keys.

Their 2011 debut album Prisoner reached No. 2 on the ARIA charts and won the Best Independent release award and the Australian Music Prize.

Originally published as The Jezabels cancel world tour as keyboardist Heather Shannon has treatment for ovarian cancer