Broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 46-year-old TV presenter, who launched her own current affairs show on BBC Two earlier this year, broke the news with a post on her Twitter account.

Victoria, who grew up in Turton and was born in Ramsbottom, 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."

She did not appear on her flagship show yesterday following the announcement, with Naga Munchetty taking her place.

The BBC Breakfast presenter has also deputised for her several times in previous weeks.

The award-winning journalist was inundated with messages of support from fans and colleagues all wishing her a speedy recovery.

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.

Victoria spent 16 years working on Radio 5 Live as one of the station's main presenters, before taking on a new challenge with her new daytime television show, named The Victoria Derbyshire Show.

She attended Bury Grammar School before studying English at the University of Liverpool, where she became interested in journalism.

Victoria then studied for a post-graduate diploma in radio and TV journalism at Preston Polytechnic, now the University of Central Lancashire, and also did a stint of work experience at the Bolton Evening News.

She landed a job in local radio in Birmingham before starting work at the BBC.

Victoria has two sons with her partner Mark Sandell, a BBC Radio 2 documentary maker and former World Have Your Say editor.