Kathy Griffin diagnosed with lung cancer

Kathy Griffin has revealed that she has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

The stand-up comedian and actor shared the shock news with her followers on Twitter, saying she has to have half of her affected lung removed.

But Griffin, 60, said that the prognosis was optimistic as it had been caught early and she didn't think she would need any further treatment after the operation.

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She tweeted: “I’ve got to tell you guys something. I have cancer. I’m about to go into surgery to have half of my left lung removed.

“Yes, I have lung cancer even though I’ve never smoked!

“The doctors are very optimistic as it is stage one and contained to my left lung. Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing.

“I should be up and running around as usual in a month or less.

“It’s been a helluva four years, trying to get back to work, making you guys laugh and entertaining you, but I’m gonna be just fine.”

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The US star added that she was thankful to have been fully vaccinated against COVID as she thought things could have been much worse otherwise.

She wrote: "Of course I am fully vaccinated for COVID. The consequences for being unvaccinated would have been even more serious.

"Please stay up to date on your medical check ups. It'll save your life."

The TV star is known for her reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, and sitcom Suddenly Susan.

Shortly before posting news of her diagnosis, Griffin had tweeted to tell her followers that she was working on a new project with a photo of herself sitting in a trailer captioned: "Back at work on a TV set, where I belong DAMMIT."

On New Year's Day 2020, Griffin got married to partner Randy Bick who she had been dating since 2011.

Watch: Kathy Griffin reveals she has lung cancer but says 'I've never smoked'