BBC Presenter Lauren Laverne Shares Cancer Diagnosis, Thanks God It Was ‘Caught Early’

Lauren Laverne attends the "Wish" UK Premiere in London, England, on Nov. 20, 2023. Belinda Jiao/Getty Images

Lauren Laverne, the host of BBC Radio 6 Music’s breakfast show and a presenter for BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs,” has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer.

Laverne, 46, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the harrowing health update, which she penned alongside a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed.

“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,” she wrote.

The British radio disc jockey did not elaborate on what type of cancer was found but noted that she was currently still in the hospital receiving treatment.

In her post, Laverne expressed her heartfelt gratitude toward the medical teams for helping her “with incredible skill and kindness.” She also thanked her family and friends for being “absolutely extraordinary every step of the way” and conveyed her appreciation to her colleagues for their support and understanding in permitting her to take time off throughout her treatment and recovery process.

“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,” Laverne continued.

“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.”

Well Wishes Pour In

The comment section of Laverne’s Instagram post was flooded with messages of support amid the presenter’s health battle.

Magic Radio presenter Emma Wilson, who underwent a full hysterectomy in February, called Laverne an “absolute legend.”

“Fellow cancer DJ sharing postivity [sic], love & confidence to say ‘not today I’m going to take it easy,’” she added. “You got this dude.”

“Sending you vibes upon vibes,” wrote British radio presenter Anita Rani.

Singer-songwriter Ghostpoet and actress Maxine Peake shared similar sentiments, writing that they were sending “love and strength” to Laverne. “My dear, get well soon!” wrote the former.

Musician Talvin Singh sent his prayers for a “quick and complete recovery.”

British actress Samantha Morton—who is best known for her roles in the 2002 film “Minority Report,” starring Tom Cruise, and the television shows “The Serpent Queen” and “The Walking Dead”—wrote: “A massive gentle hug and thinking of you and your loved ones.”

“We know you’re going to be a queen through this like you are a queen through everything,” commented British journalist and author Caitlin Moran. “But I do want to boot cancer in the nuts. LOVE YOU FOREVER.”

Rise to Fame

Born in Sunderland, a port city in Tyne and Wear, England, Laverne rose to fame as the frontwoman and guitarist for the punk-indie band Kenickie, founded in 1994.

After launching two EPs—“Catsuit City” and “Skillex”—in the mid-1990s, the group went on to release its debut album, “At the Club,” in 1997. The alternative rock band’s sophomore and final album, “Get In,” was introduced the following year.

The singer-turned-broadcaster has since become a mainstay on BBC radio stations, joining BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs” in 2018. This followed Kirsty Young’s decision to step down after more than a decade as the show’s host so that she could seek treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, according to the BBC.

“Having been forced to take some months away from my favourite job because of health problems, I’m happy to say I’m now well on the way to feeling much better,” Young shared in a statement at the time, per RadioToday. “But that enforced absence from the show has altered my perspective on what I should do next and so I’ve decided it’s time to pursue new challenges.”

In addition to her achievements on the radio, Laverne has also worked as a presenter on various television shows, including BBC’s “The Culture Show” and “The One Show,” as well as Channel 4’s comedic news program “10 O'Clock Live.”

Laverne wed fellow disc jockey and television producer Graeme Fisher in 2005. The couple resides in London with their two teenage sons, Fergus and Mack.