Tasmanian Governor Kate Warner has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma but says she will continue her duties during chemotherapy treatment.

Key points: Tasmania's Governor has revealed a cancer diagnosis after seeking treatment for a sore hip

Tasmania's Governor has revealed a cancer diagnosis after seeking treatment for a sore hip Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common and curable form of lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common and curable form of lymphoma Professor Warner intends to maintain her duties

The 70-year-old revealed her cancer diagnosis was made after she sought treatment for a sore hip, which was interrupting her bushwalking plans.

"It just started off as a bit of a sore hip and I wanted to make sure that I would still be able to bushwalk," she told the media.

"So after discovering I had a cracked hip we thought perhaps I should have another MRI to see if I could still climb Bishop and Clerk [on Maria Island] this summer holidays.

"But when it hadn't mended then we had to do a bit more investigation and hence found out that I had lymphoma."

The Governor's trademark energy was on display again as she walked into the Drawing Room at Government House in Hobart to announce her diagnosis on Sunday.

Flanked by Premier Will Hodgman and husband Richard Warner, the Governor said the cancer was curable and she intended to continue with her duties.

"I am quite a single-minded person, so I really hope that I will be able to put this cancer thing into its little box, let the doctors do the treatment and of course follow what they say but at the same time be able to focus on my role and fulfil my duties," she said.

Premier Will Hodgman stands next to the Governor and her husband Richard during the press conference at Government House. ( ABC News )

The Governor will have several cycles of chemotherapy.

"I am very confident in the medical treatment that I've been getting from the Royal from my doctors and so impressed with the treatment that we get in our wonderful public hospital," she said.

Professor Warner is patron of the Cancer Council and said her recent diagnosis had given her greater insights into the disease.

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma? Blood cancer affecting lymphatic system

Blood cancer affecting lymphatic system Sixth most common form of cancer

Sixth most common form of cancer 4,000 Australians diagnosed each year

4,000 Australians diagnosed each year Can be treated with chemotherapy

Can be treated with chemotherapy Often curable, cause unknown Source: Leukaemia Foundation

"The fact that so many cancers are curable, I didn't know that, but actually having to read more about this particular type of cancer has made me learn more," she said.

"We have been through cancer in the family, Dick has had cancer more than 10 years ago now. I learnt about that form of cancer, now I'm learning about this type of cancer as well."

She thanked staff at Government House as well as family and friends for their support.

"I've only started telling [people] recently but I've received a lot of support," she said.

The Premier said the Governor informed him of her condition late last week.

"I was very pleased but not surprised that the Governor might wish to continue in her role and to undertake her duties," he said.

"All Tasmanians would well appreciate the considerable enthusiasm energy and commitment that Kate Warner has dedicated to this important job."

"I do think this is a real sign of the character and the commitment of our Governor.

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"So the Tasmanian people are very grateful that you would so selflessly continue in this role not withstanding what will be undoubtedly a challenging period with our best wishes and our hopes for a speedy recovery."

Official Secretary, David Owen, said staff at Government House are right behind the Governor and it would be business as usual.

"For those who might be considering requesting the Governor to host and event here, or to invite the Governor or Mr Warner anywhere across the state, please do that," said Mr Owen.

The Governor spoke with students Charlotte Kenny and Meg Francis at last year's Anzac Day service. ( ABC News: Gregor Salmon )

The Lieutenant-Governor, Tasmania's Chief Justice Alan Blow, is available to step in should the Governor be unavailable for her duties.

But Professor Warner said she was hopeful she would not need to call on him too often.

"I'm very positive about the outcome very much would like to continue with this role which I've been enjoying so much," she said.

For now though, hard bushwalking is off the agenda.

Professor Warner was sworn in as Tasmania's first female governor in 2014 after a long career in law.

Message of support have been shared on social media by the public and from all sides of politics.

Her term finishes at the end of this year but the Premier can invite her to extend her time in the role.

Four years ago, she was made a member of the Order of Australia for her service to the law, particularly in areas of reform and education.