BBC 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne shares cancer diagnosis
BBC 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer and urged the public to get themselves tested for the disease.
Before moving into broadcasting, Laverne rose to prominence in the mid-1990s as a 16-year-old with her indie band, Kenickie. The group were active for four years, releasing two studio albums with their debut offering At The Club charting at nine in the United Kingdom.
After disbanding in 1998, Laverne pursued a solo career while moving into broadcasting, which eventually became her full-time occupation. She began hosting the BBC programme, The Culture Show, in 2006 and landed a show on BBC 6 Music in 2008.
Having been a part of the station’s furniture since the early days, Laverne has become the most prominent voice on BBC 6 Music and hosted the coveted breakfast show since the beginning of 2019. Additionally, the presenter also helms the prestigious BBC Radio 4 institution Desert Island Discs.
However, for now, Laverne has paused her work commitments while she focuses on her health. On Instagram, the broadcaster shared an image from her hospital bed and revealed, “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.”
Due to catching the cancer early, Laverne is feeling grateful despite the diagnosis and thanked those who have assisted her care, stating, “I’m in hospital at the moment and wanted to take this moment to say thank you: Firstly to medical teams who have got me this far with incredible skill and kindness. To my family and friends who have been absolutely extraordinary every step of the way – I am so very grateful and love you so much.”
Laverne’s thanks also extended to her colleagues “for their support and for giving me the time off that I need to get better”.
The reason why Laverne decided to share her diagnosis is to help others, noting, “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.”
The BBC 6 Music presenter emotionally concluded by 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.”
Laverne has yet to reveal the specifics of the diagnosis.
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