Julia Louis-Dreyfus reveals breast cancer diagnosis and calls for universal healthcare

'Let's fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality,' the actress says

Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus poses in the press room during the 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Award-winning actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus has revealed that she has breast cancer, pairing her announcement with a call for healthcare reform.

The "Veep" and "Seinfeld" star made the announcement via Twitter, writing: "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," she added, while acknowledging that not everyone is so lucky.

"Let's fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality," she wrote.

The announcement comes just days after Ms Louis-Dreyfus won her sixth consecutive Emmy for her starring role in HBO's "Veep" – a record-breaking win for a performer in a single role. The actress has won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series twice before, for her work in "The New Adventures of Old Christine".

“Our love and support go out to Julia and her family at this time,” HBO said in a statement. “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'."

The show, which has won 12 prime-time Emmy awards, recently finished its sixth season. HBO announced its decision to end the show after season seven this month. The network said the diagnosis did not affect its decision to renew for a final season.

"Veep" creator Armando Iannucci also weighed in on the diagnosis, tweeting: "It is possible to be dignified and fierce at the same time. I, and millions others, send Julia our love and support."

Ms Louis-Dreyfus has been outspoken in her criticism of President Donald Trump, calling him "horrifying and funny and also embarrassing" in an interview with the New York Times.

"[Veep] did have a whole storyline about impeachment but we abandoned that because we were worried that someone else might get to it first," she joked while accepting her Emmy.

Shortly before revealing her diagnosis, the actress tweeted out a video of television host Jimmy Kimmel discussing the latest attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare. The spot highlighted the latest bill's potential to leave an additional 30m Americans without health insurance.

"Appalling. Take action," she wrote, urging her followers to call their senators.