Morrissey, former singer for The Smiths, is being treated for cancer.

The singer has been hospitalised numerous times over the past 18 months, but has finally revealed that he is suffering from the disease.

Though he did not reveal what type of cancer he is suffering, Morrissey told Spanish newspaper El Mundo: "They have scraped cancerous tissues four times already, but whatever. If I die, then I die. And if I don't, then I don't. Right now I feel good.

"I am aware that in some of my recent photos I look somewhat unhealthy, but that's what illness can do. I'm not going to worry about that, I'll rest when I'm dead."

Morrissey then and now - in pictures 4 show all Morrissey then and now - in pictures 1/4 The South Bank Show A young Morrissey featured on the South Bank Show (Picture: ITV/REX) 2/4 The Smiths Morrisey was the frontman for the ever popular band The Smiths 3/4 Morrissey performing with the Smiths at the Liverpool Empire back in 1991 4/4 morrissey.jpg Morrissey still has huge success as a solo artist, and is on tour now 1/4 The South Bank Show A young Morrissey featured on the South Bank Show (Picture: ITV/REX) 2/4 The Smiths Morrisey was the frontman for the ever popular band The Smiths 3/4 Morrissey performing with the Smiths at the Liverpool Empire back in 1991 4/4 morrissey.jpg Morrissey still has huge success as a solo artist, and is on tour now

The Smiths frontman has suffered various health issues in previous years, including a bleeding ulcer and double bout of pneumonia in 2013 and a respiratory infection in 2014, which forced him to cancel his US tour.

Morrissey also spoke out in July, saying that once he has finished his first novel, he will retire from the worlds of singing and song writing.

He said: "I'm at an age when one should no longer be making music. Many composers of classical music died at age 34. And I'm still here, and nobody knows what to do with me. The audience that I have is very young, which leads me to think that the songs of the Smiths, as with those of the Ramones, are more significant now than before.”

He continued, saying: “My novel is coming along well, but it would be presumptuous of me to talk about something that is not finalised yet. It will probably be published next year and with luck I will be able to stop singing forever, which would make many people happy!"