'I did it my way': Jackie Collins reveals cancer battle in last interview

Jackie Collins had been battling breast cancer for six years. Credit: PA

The best-selling novelist Jackie Collins, has died aged 77, after a battle with breast cancer.

In what is believed to be her last interview with US celebrity magazine People on September 14 - which has just been published - she revealed she was dying and said she had no regrets about keeping her illness private.

According to People, Collins was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer six-and-a-half years ago, and had undergone various treatments including a lumpectomy, radiation and various drug courses.

She told the publication she had chosen to keep her illness private, confiding primarily in her three daughters Tracy, 54, Tiffany, 48, and 46-year-old Rory.

Joan Collins (left) has said she is 'completely devastated' by the loss of her sister Jackie. Credit: PA

Jackie's older sister, the actress Joan Collins, only learnt of her sibling's illness within the last two weeks.

The author said she had not wanted to tell her sister because she did not want to burden her.

Summing up her life, Collins said, "looking back, I'm not sorry about anything I did".

Jackie Collins pictured after being awarded an OBE by the Queen in 2013.

Collins also spoke of her love for her family and how "proud" she was of her daughters.

"I'm so proud of them. I want them to feel secure and I want them to feel whatever happens, I'll always be there", Collins added.