NEW YORK • The bad news came one day after actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus made Emmy history.

On Thursday, the 56-year-old revealed publicly that she has breast cancer. "1 in 8 women get breast cancer," she wrote on Twitter and Instagram. "Today, I'm the one."

She then shifted the conversation to healthcare and cancer research. "The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring friends, and fantastic insurance through my union," she wrote. "The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let's fight all cancers and make universal healthcare a reality."

She did not disclose the severity of the diagnosis.

She learnt she had cancer on Sept 18, the day after the Primetime Emmy Awards, an HBO spokesman said on Thursday. The news played no part in the decision to make next season of Veep its last, the spokesman said.

The comedy's last season will air next year. Louis-Dreyfus this year earned her sixth consecutive Emmy as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Selina Meyer, the Vice-President turned President turned ex-president - giving her the most Emmy wins by a performer in one role.

NYTIMES