The former British number one, who retired from the sport last year, said in a statement: 'I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
'I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have.'
The Lawn Tennis Association statement continued: 'Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.'
Britain's Federation Cup captain Judy Murray said: 'Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, (her husband) Nino and her family but she is a such a determined, upbeat person and everyone around her is staying positive as well.
'I know she'll be really grateful for all the support that she's getting.'
Ukraine-born, Baltacha won 11 singles titles, reached the third round of Wimbledon in 2002 and the same stage of the Australian Open in 2005 and 2010.
The 30-year-old from Perth, Scotland, made the announcement via Twitter.
Messages of support for the player were posted on social media this afternoon.
Former British number one and television presenter Andrew Castle wrote: 'Passing on love and best wishes to Elena Baltacha for a speedy recovery. Shocked by this news.'
Old rival Anne Keothavong, who along with Baltacha headed up the women's game for several years, wrote on Twitter: 'She's one of the people I most admire for her courage and determination. You'll fight through this.'
The official Twitter page for the Lawn Tennis association also wrote a message of support - writing: 'We’re all behind you @ElenaBaltacha. From everyone in British Tennis we send you our very best wishes.'
Helen Grant, the government minister for sport, tourism and equalities, said: 'My thoughts are with Elena Baltacha, her family and friends.'
Today, cancer charities have warned the player may need to have a liver transplant.
Andrew Langford, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: 'The chances are she will have known for a while that she was at risk of liver cancer because of her PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis).
'It's a genetic illness that infects your bile duct. You get a back flow of bile into your liver and that causes scarring in your liver.
'As the liver is more scarred it will be so damaged that you will have cirrhosis.
'Normally when we talk about liver cirrhosis people think about alcohol, but this is definitely not related to alcohol.
'I would imagine she will have a range of treatments.
'It will be a very difficult time for her and it may be that she eventually needs to have a liver transplant.'
According to the British Liver Trust, liver disease is now the fifth biggest cause of death in England and Wales, after heart disease, cancer, stroke and respiratory disease.
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