You are a household name all over the world. Did you ever think you would be this big?

I never really thought of being famous and consider myself blessed that my career has gone the way it has. I am blessed that I am able to do what I love and at the same time bring joy, peace or any emotion my music stirs in people.

You were at the peak of your career when you were hit by breast cancer 15 years ago. What went through your mind when you first found out?

At first it was a difficult thing to deal with, as I had just lost my father to cancer, but with the love and support of my family and friends I knew I would be okay.

One day in a ladies' room in Australia, I ran into a woman who said: 'I had breast cancer 20 years ago and I beat it.' That moment really gave me strength to realise that everything was going to be okay and that I would not give in to it.

Creating my album Gaia: One Woman's Journey during that time was a very healing and therapeutic experience that helped me get through the rough times.

But many stars feel they are invincible. Did it make you suddenly realise your mortality?

I think everything in life, good and bad, makes you aware of your mortality. I never thought of giving in to diagnosis and did everything I could - homeopathy, chemotherapy, yoga, meditation - and got tremendous strength from my family and friends. I was blessed to have that support group around me.

Now you are an active advocate of breast screening. How do you use your status to help increase awareness?

A goal I have is to help any woman going through breast cancer to not have to go through it alone. In fact, a portion of the proceeds from my new CD Grace And Gratitude benefits a wonderful organisation called Y-Me (www.yme.org).

As a survivor myself, I know how important it is to share experiences with someone who has been there before. Y-Me has a 24-hour hotline staffed by 150 breast cancer survivors with interpreters in 150 different languages. It is a great organisation that works very hard to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer alone.

Often, many women are not open to breast screening and don't want to know if they have breast cancer. They don't want to lose their breasts. How would you persuade them?

It is extremely important to know your own body and to give yourself regular self-breast examinations in addition to seeing your doctor.

Many women are often embarrassed or don't know what to do, so I have helped to create the Olivia Breast Self-Exam kit (www.liv.com), which is a wonderful way for women to get to know their bodies. Of course it is not to take the place of regular examinations by your physician but, hopefully, it will get women to learn more about their own bodies.

As for losing a breast, I tell women that their breasts are not who they are - these are just a part of them. Better to know if there is a problem so that early detection can help ensure you will be around for a long time - all of you, not just your breasts.

How important is family support when it comes to something like cancer?

Family is extremely important. Whether it is 'blood family' or friends that have become your family - having support during any cancer treatment and battle is a big part of recovery and maintaining a focus on recovery.

What was your most memorable performance, and in what way was it memorable?

I think the filming of Grease will be a memory I will cherish forever. That film had a special magic and the cast was incredible.

The film celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, and every year it finds a new group of fans as children and their grandparents are all fans of that film.

It was an honour to be a part of that magic and to have that film as one of Hollywood's classic movie musicals. I am very lucky to have had the opportunity and to sing those amazing songs!

How aware are you of your health today, and how are you eating and living right?

I am very healthy. I eat only organic foods and exercise every day. I love tennis, hiking with my dog Jack, and being out in the fresh air. Meditation is also a big part of my daily routine.

Any regrets?

I have learnt that regrets are a waste of time as you cannot change the past. Just move forward and learn from your mistakes - learn to love yourself.

In the entertainment circle, often the emphasis is on youth and youthfulness. Ever get intimidated by age?

I think the younger generation has a tougher time with the image of what is 'youth'. I was lucky to have had my first successes in a time when audiences were very supportive and nurturing.

Record companies were also very different as they set out to create and mould careers. Young performers today have a much harder challenge to have the right look and sound and, if you don't have a hit your first time out, often that is your only chance.

What do you think is your secret to the fountain of youth then?

Healthy living, exercise and having the ability to laugh at yourself every day. Life is too short to let the little things get to you and make your life toxic.

For a professional singer, your voice is your life. How do you take care of it?

I don't smoke, I eat healthy, I exercise and I do vocal exercises. It is like any athlete. You need to constantly train yourself to be in the best shape.

Many career women before and after you tend to forgo family for career. Did you ever wish you could turn back the clock and take a different path?

Not at all. I am the luckiest person I know. I have a wonderful daughter, friends and fans who have been with me through the good times and the bad.

Is your body a temple?

Definitely. Our body is what gets us through life physically. But just as important are the heart and spirit.

'Body. Heart. Spirit.' That is the vision behind a new line of products with my name, Olivia, that has been created to encourage and nurture those three things in our lives (www.liv.com).

What beverage is a must first thing in the morning, and why?

I would say a nice cup of hot tea. And water. Water keeps you hydrated!

Any vices?

Hmmm... I would have to say chocolate! I love chocolate, and though I don't eat it often, it is a treat!

Even my dog shares that vice and I have to make sure he can't get anywhere near it - though he does tend to find it on his own, whether it is in the purse of a friend visiting or on the top of the kitchen counter. What can I say, he takes after his mum!

What is your greatest fear?

Losing the ability to laugh. That would scare me!

If you could change a part of your life, what would it be?

I have to say that life is a wonderful thing, and though we all have challenges and hard times, it's pretty great and we should embrace every day as if it were our last!

'I like being me because...'

... I have an amazing group of friends and family. I am pretty lucky!