The world’s media has been warned not to intrude on the privacy of Kylie Minogue after the singer’s shock announcement yesterday that she has early stage breast cancer.

Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria, told journalists not to breach the state’s strict privacy laws, which prevent a patient’s medical records being made public.

"We have very strong laws, privacy laws around medical records, about access to details, about treatment," he said.

"These are private matters between the clinician and the patient and they are enshrined in laws as private matters."

Minogue was visiting her parents in Melbourne before the now-cancelled Australian leg of her Showgirl tour when the diagnosis was made.

She is believed to be staying in their home in the Melbourne suburb of Canterbury with partner Olivier Martinez, the French actor.

He has cancelled a flight back to Los Angeles to remain with her and told his management he will not be available until further notice.

At least 20 journalists were outside the two-storey home today waiting for a glimpse of the diminutive star.

There has been speculation that she could start treatment today or tomorrow. Commentators have stressed that Minogue’s close-knit family, including parents Carol and Ron, will be the best support for her.

Her brother Brendan is also believed to be with her, while sister and fellow pop star Dannii is believed to be returning home from London.

Goodwill messages have been pouring in for the singer from fans and even John Howard, the Prime Minister.

"I think all Australians feel for her and wish her well," he said on radio in Brisbane today. "A young woman, Kylie Minogue, any young woman of that age to be diagnosed with that condition, it does send a shudder through you." The Prime Minister's wife, Janette, was treated for cancer in 1996.

Minogue, who will be 37 next week, cancelled an appearance at the Glastonbury Festival and the Australian leg of her world tour to begin her treatment.

An uncommonly young sufferer, Minogue, who is based in London, potentially faces months of treatment after surgery. Her father, Ron, was found to have prostate cancer in 2001. The two cancers have been shown to have genetic links.

Minogue will draw strength from the experience of Anastacia, the American singer who had breast cancer diagnosed when she was 29, who has made a full recovery.

The singer said: "I was so looking forward to bringing the Showgirl tour to Australian audiences and am sorry to have to disappoint my fans. Nevertheless, hopefully all will work out fine and I’ll be back with you all again soon."

Dannii Minogue said: "As the cancer has been diagnosed at such an early stage, we are all very optimistic that everything will be OK." She thanked fans for their messages of support, which "will mean the world to her as she gets better".

Minogue has supported efforts to raise money for breast cancer and helped to publicise Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of her skimpiest bras was sold at auction for £2,400 three years ago for Breast Cancer Care.

Her planned appearance at Glastonbury next month was to have been a highlight of an event traditionally dominated by rock bands.

Insiders suggested that Minogue saw it as a high point from which to retire from the music industry. She was once derided as the puppet of Stock Aitken and Waterman, the producers of megahits such as I Should Be So Lucky and Especially For You, but she has become one of pop’s most influential female artists.

Madonna joined the 100,000 ticket-holders at the seven Earls Court shows, but the tour inflicted a gruelling schedule on Minogue. She parted company with William Baker, her creative director for 11 years and the man who put her in her famous gold hot-pants, saying that it was "time to move on".

Minogue talked about starting a family with Martínez and moving on to the next phase of a career, during which she has collaborated with artists ranging from Nick Cave to the Scissor Sisters.

She has become an astute businesswoman. Selfridges paid £750,000 for exclusive rights to her Love Kylie lingerie range and she struck endorsement deals with Pepsi, British Airways, Ford and Eurostar.

Minogue’s Australian tour was due to have begun in Sydney tomorrow. Glastonbury organisers wished her well and said that she would be "an extremely hard act to replace".

Jason Donovan, Minogue’s Neighbours co-star and former singing partner, said: "I sincerely wish her well with her treatment, Kylie is a strong woman who will fight this battle on every front."

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