Watch as The One Show star halts programme for emotional tribute to Lauren Laverne following her shock cancer diagnosis
CLARA Amfo held a poignant pause on The One Show for a special tribute to co-star Lauren Laverne.
Lauren, 46, revealed her cancer diagnosis on Wednesday as she made the brave announcement in an Instagram post from her hospital bed.
During Wednesday’s The One Show, Clara addressed the audience with an emotional message.
She said: “We also wanted to send huge, huge love to our dear friend Lauren Laverne, who earlier today shared the news that she’s been diagnosed with cancer.
“Thankfully, she is expected to make a full recovery which she herself says, just goes to show the importance of getting checked.”
Continuing, the radio broadcaster added: “So if you are thinking about it, please don’t put it off,” sharing Lauren’s gratitude for messages of support received from the public.”
Alex Scott added: “And everyone here at The One Show is sending their love to you, so get well soon, Lauren and we can’t wait to have you back.”
Earlier in the day, Lauren updated her Instagram followers with news of her diagnosis.
Her post read: “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.
“I’m in hospital at the moment and wanted to take this moment to say thank you.
“Firstly to the medical teams who have got me this far with incredible skills 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.”
Lauren also thanked her colleagues at Independent Talent Group, BBC Radio 6 Music, The One Show and Desert Island Discs, for their support.
She referenced her co-workers giving [her] “the time off that I need to get better.”
One fan wrote underneath the post: “Massive massive love to you and your family.”
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
“If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ,” the NHS says.
“Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.”
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
Men and women aged 60 to 74 are sent an at-home test kit every two years.
This involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
Source: NHS
Last year, it was announced Lauren and Roman Kemp had been given expanded roles on The One Show.
She has presented the popular Radio 4 show Desert Island Discs since 2018.
Lauren was also formerly the lead singer of alternative rock band Kenickie.
The broadcaster has been married to DJ and television producer Graeme Fisher since 2005, with whom she has two sons.