I have breast cancer, says BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire

The 46-year-old broadcaster, who has her own current affairs show on BBC Two, went public with the bad news on social media.

Derbyshire, who has previously worked on Radio 5 Live, said: I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and am having a mastectomy in a few weeks.

“Friends, family, work colleagues and NHS staff are being brilliant.

“Will be doing the programme as much as possible during treatment in the months ahead.”

The award-winning journalist was instantly inundated with messages of support from fans and colleagues.

A BBC spokesman said: “We wish Victoria a full and speedy recovery and look forward to having her back full time on the programme as soon as possible.”

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and can be treated if caught early, according to the NHS.

Just under 50,000 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2011, with eight out of 10 who get the disease aged over 50.