Sinodinos 'going well' in cancer fight: PM

Malcolm Turnbull expects senior minister Arthur Sinodinos to be back on deck after undergoing cancer treatment.

The industry and innovation minister announced he was taking medical leave two weeks ago and has told Fairfax Media his prognosis is very positive.

"He's going well," the prime minister told Neil Mitchell on 3AW radio on Friday.

"He's obviously got some tough treatment ahead of him."

Mr Turnbull described the senator, previously John Howard's chief of staff, as a wonderful colleague and a great public servant.

"I'm very confident that he will be fit and well and back on deck very soon."

Senator Sinodinos did not say what type of cancer he had but told Fairfax he was revealing his condition to scotch speculation he might quit parliament.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten wished Senator Sinodinos well on his recovery.

"Cancer is a dreadful disease," Mr Shorten told reporters in Mackay.