Lauren Laverne, 46, diagnosed with cancer as BBC presenter shares 'unexpected' health update
Lauren Laverne has announced she has cancer
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Lauren Laverne has been diagnosed with cancer, she announced on Instagram on Wednesday morning.
The 46-year-old shared a smiley selfie from the hospital where she received the diagnosis after initially going in for a screening test.
Laverne, who is best known for fronting BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, remained upbeat in her statement, admitting she's "expected to make a full recovery" as the illness was spotted early.
Alongside the snap from the hospital, Laverne's statement in full reads: "Right then, some personal news… I recently had a cancer diagnosis.
"It was (thank God) caught early and unexpectedly during a screening test and I am expected to make a full recovery.
"I’m in hospital at the moment and wanted to take this moment to say thank you: Firstly to the medical teams who have got me this far with incredible skill and kindness."
Lauren Laverne is a familiar face on the BBC
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She continued: "To my family and friends who have been absolutely extraordinary every step of the way - I am so very grateful and love you so much."
Laverne then turned her attention to her colleagues at the Beeb as she added: "And of course thank you to my colleagues - including those at @itg_ltd, @bbc6music, @bbctheoneshow and #DesertIslandDiscs for their support - and for giving me the time off that I need to get better."
Before bidding farewell, Laverne was keen to urge followers not to put off regular checks as she encouraged fans to get checked regularly in order to spot signs of the illness early.
"I also want to say that if you’re avoiding a test or putting off an appointment to get yourself checked out please, please do it today," she said.
"Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything. It’s usually my job to bring the good vibes on air but any you have to spare are very much welcome here.
"Sending loads of love to anyone in a similar boat, or who has made it back to shore. xxx," Laverne signed off.
Before long, the BBC presenter was inundated with support from fans, colleagues and famous faces, with the likes of Patrick Kielty, Leigh Francis, and Claudia Winkleman among those who liked the post.
BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan also showed her support in the comments as she penned to her pal: "Sending you all the love and positive healing Lauren," followed by a series of love heart emojis.
Elsewhere, followers also shared their well wishes, including one fan who wrote: "Oh Lauren, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Sending lots and lots of positive vibes. We’re with you on this journey, every step of the way x."
"Sending you all the good vibes and support, ye radio babe. Take care of yourself," a second added.
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Gabby Logan was just one of Laverne's BBC colleague to send their support
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Another weighed in: "Sending lots of love and healing vibes your way....you got this!! Take your time to rest and recover please x."
And a fourth echoed: "Sending you lots of love and positive vibes Lauren. Early diagnosis is definitely the key. We are so lucky in this country to have wonderful medical services. Im sure you’re in the best hand much loved by the all xx." (sic)