Desert Island Discs presenter Lauren Laverne reveals she has cancer

Lauren Laverne, the presenter of Desert Island Discs, has revealed she is in hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.

In a post on Instagram on Wednesday morning the 46-year-old broadcaster said the disease had been diagnosed early and she was expected to fully recover.

She wrote: “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.”

In a caption to a photograph of her sitting in a hospital bed Laverne told her 250,000 followers: “I’m in hospital at the moment.”

She thanked doctors and nurses at the unnamed hospital who she said “have got me this far with incredible skill and kindness”.

Laverne said her family and friends had been “absolutely extraordinary every step of the way”.

She also thanked BBC 6 music, where she presents a breakfast show, and colleagues at Desert Island Discs “for giving me the time off that I need to get better”.

She urged followers that if they had any concerns about possible cancer not to delay getting tested.

She said: “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. Half of us will get cancer at some point, and if you do, finding out asap is everything.”

Laverne ended her post saying: “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.”