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

In a post on Twitter, the 56-year-old wrote: "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," continued the former Seinfeld star.

"The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let's fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality."

In a statement, Veep's makers, HBO, said: "Our love and support go out to Julia and her family at this time. 

"We have every confidence she will get through this with her usual tenacity and undaunted spirit, and look forward to her return to health and to HBO for the final season of Veep."

Earlier this month, Louis-Dreyfus made history at the Emmy Awards by winning her sixth consecutive Best Comedy Actress Emmy for her role as Veep's Selina Meyer.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month

Louis-Dreyfus is also an Emmy winner for her work on The New Adventures of OId Christine and Seinfeld and is a Golden Globe recipient for the latter.

Her friends, fans and fellow actors have been showing their support: