Kylie's 'heartfelt thanks'

Kylie today sent a message of thanks to her fans and said: "I'm being well looked after."

It came as doctors confirmed her breast cancer has not spread.

The 36-year-old is undergoing tests at a Melbourne hospital and one of Australia's leading surgeons will operate later this week.

Her manager Terry Blamey said today: "Thankfully tests so far have confirmed the earlier diagnosis that the cancer appears to be confined to the breast."

Minogue said she was being well supported by her boyfriend, French actor Olivier Martinez.

"I want to reassure you that I am being well taken care of," she said. "Olivier is by my side and I have a lot of family and friends around me." She also thanked the thousands of fans who have sent words of support from across the world. The number of well-wishers caused her website to crash because of people logging on and sending get-well messages.

Minogue said she wanted to express her "heartfelt thanks to the incredible number of people who have sent messages of love and support".

She added: "I would also like to extend my best wishes to all of the other women around Australia and around the world who are dealing with the same illness."

Among the star's showbusiness friends who have offered messages of support are Sir Elton John, Ronan Keating and former Neighbours actress Delta Goodrem, who has fought her own battle against cancer.

Minogue's operation to remove the tumour is expected to take place at Melbourne's Cabrini Hospital. Along with her boyfriend, Minogue's parents, Ron and Carol, are believed to be at her side. Her brother Brenden is also understood to be with the singer and her sister Dannii is due to fly into Melbourne from London.

Mr Blamey said Minogue had been touched by cards and flowers sent by fans but has suggested well-wishers might like to make donations to cancer charities.

The singer was forced to cancel the final leg of her Showgirl tour after receiving the diagnosis.