Former Queensland premier Anna Bligh has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer.

Ms Bligh, who resigned from Parliament in March last year, says she will begin treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the next couple of weeks.

She says a tumour was removed from a lymph node on her neck last week, and further tests will be taken.

"I am very grateful for the excellent care I have received from the staff of St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, and the loving support of my family and friends," Ms Bligh said in a statement.

"I am maintaining my positive attitude as I prepare for treatment."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has sent her best wishes to Ms Bligh, saying she was an inspiration to all Australians as she led Queensland through the 2011 floods.

Wishing @annambligh a speedy recovery. They show strength north of the border - none tougher. JG — Julia Gillard (@JuliaGillard) June 7, 2013

Treasurer Wayne Swan echoed that sentiment, saying Ms Bligh is made of pretty tough stuff.

Current state Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has also sent her best wishes to her former colleague.

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma? A type of lymphoma, which is a general term for cancers that develop in lymphatic tissue

A type of lymphoma, which is a general term for cancers that develop in lymphatic tissue Damaged lymphocytes grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably

Damaged lymphocytes grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably This causes lymph nodes to enlarge and form painless lumps called tumours

This causes lymph nodes to enlarge and form painless lumps called tumours In most cases, the cause of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown

In most cases, the cause of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown About 4,000 Australians are diagnosed each year

About 4,000 Australians are diagnosed each year Most cases occur in adults aged 65 and older

Most cases occur in adults aged 65 and older Treatment options vary, but usually include chemotherapy Source: Cancer Council NSW

"On behalf of the House I would like to wish her all the very best," she said during debate on the budget bills in State Parliament.

Former deputy premier Andrew Fraser says Ms Bligh is "uniquely capable of overcoming adversity and doing so with good humour and optimism."

"We were devastated to learn of the diagnosis but confident in her fighting spirit," he added.

Labor MP Curtis Pitt says his father, former Minister Warren Pitt, also fought non-Hodgkin lymphoma and won.

"I know that Anna Bligh is a fighter and I know that she will do the same," he said.

Ms Bligh was Premier of Queensland from 2007 up until the LNP's election win March last year.

Ms Bligh, who was elected as premier in 2007, says she is grateful for the loving support of her family and friends, and has asked for privacy during her treatment and recovery.

On March 26 last year she announced she was standing aside as leader of the Queensland Labor Party and resigning from Parliament after leading her party to its worst electoral defeat.

The huge swing towards the LNP saw the ALP lose all but seven of its seats.

Ms Bligh now lives in Sydney, but recently returned to Brisbane to give evidence at the inquiry into the bungled Queensland Health payroll system.