SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian pop superstar Kylie Minogue will undergo surgery for breast cancer this week but tests so far show that the cancer does not appear to have spread.

"Kylie is currently undergoing tests at a first-class medical facility in Melbourne in preparation for an operation this week by one of Australia's leading surgeons," manager Terry Blamey said in a statement.

"Thankfully tests so far have confirmed the earlier diagnosis that the cancer appears to be confined to the breast."

Minogue, who was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer this week, thanked fans for their support.

Thousands of people have bombarded websites to express their support while a stream of well-wishers has continued to turn up at the Minogue family home in suburban Melbourne bearing flowers, letters and gifts.

"My heartfelt thanks to the incredible number of people who have sent messages of love and support over the last two days," the entertainer said in a statement.

"I want to reassure you that I am being well taken care of."

The operation is expected to take place at Melbourne's Cabrini Hospital, reports said.

Minogue, 36, is with her boyfriend, French actor Olivier Martinez, and her parents Ron and Carol. Brother Brendan is also believed to be with the singer while her sister Dannii is understood to be heading to Melbourne from London.

"Olivier is by my side and I have a lot of family and friends around me," Minogue said.

"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."

Minogue's illness has forced her to call off the Asian and Australian legs of her successful Showgirl tour which were due to kick off in Sydney on Thursday.

The fact that the cancer does not appear to have spread means her chances of beating the disease are much higher, said Helen Zorbas, director of the National Breast Cancer Centre.

"We know that the chances of survival are very significantly improved if the cancer hasn't spread to other parts of the body at the time of the diagnosis," she told AFP.

"So this is very, very good news."

Zorbas said that for a young woman who has caught the disease early, the chances of having no recurrence of the disease within five years were close to 90 percent.

"But it doesn't mean something terrible happens after five years...it's just a measure that we use," she said.

Kylie will probably undergo surgery to have the cancer removed followed by either chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiotherapy or a combination of these options, Zorbas said.

The singer, who found fame in the 1980s in the soap opera 'Neighbours' before beginning a pop career and subsequently launching her own underwear line, has sold an estimated 40 million records and has a huge following in Britain and around the world.

Celebrity friends have also offered messages of support for the singer, including Elton John, Irish singer Ronan Keating and Australian entertainer and cancer survivor Delta Goodrem.

"Kylie's been touched by the many fans who have asked if they can send cards or flowers," Blamey said.

"She has suggested that instead well-wishers might like to make a small donation to the Cancer Council - www.cancervic.org.au/kylie - in her name."