Colombian tennis player Catalina Castano has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 35-year-old confirmed that she is to retire from playing in order to focus on beating the disease.

Castano, who reached 35 in the world rankings in 2006, told FedCup.com: "It was really hard to hear the news. I didn't know what to do or where to go. I cried for several days, hiding from my parents and sisters.

"I decided to do what the doctors recommended which was chemotherapy as quickly as possible. Tennis taught me to be a warrior and to fight until the last point and that is how I'm battling daily.

"I've received many kind and sweet messages and it makes me very happy to see people who I shared many moments with caring about me. I hope to recover as soon as possible and from there I will see what I'll do. For sure something related to tennis because tennis is my passion."

Castano played in 50 Fed Cup ties for Colombia, including earlier this year when she helped the country to third place in the Americas group.