Veep and Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus has announced that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. 

The award-winning actor posted the following statement on Twitter earlier today:

"1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today, I'm the one" 

"The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring family and friends, and fantastic insurance through my union. The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let's fight all cancers and make universal healthcare a reality." 

Various colleagues showed their support. Rosie O'Donnell tweeted: "sending love to Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals breast cancer diagnosis"

Veep co-star Tony Hale tweeted: "We love this woman."

Former real-life VP Joe Biden tweeted: "We Veeps stick together. Jill and I, and all of the Bidens, are with you, Julia."

Louis-Dreyfus, 56, recently won a record sixth Emmy for her performance in Veep. It has been reported that she received her diagnosis the day after she received her Emmy award. 

Picture: HBO