The comedian, 60, made the announcement as she prepared for surgery to have the affected area of her lung removed.
“I’ve got to tell you guys something. I have cancer,” she wrote. “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!”
Despite the diagnosis, Griffin went on to reveal that the cancer is in its early stage and she will likely avoid the need for chemotherapy.
“The doctors are very optimistic as it is stage one and contained to my left lung,” she went on. “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 4 years, trying to get back to work, making you guys laugh and entertaining you, but I’m gonna be just fine. 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.”
Within minutes of sharing her post on the micro-blogging platform, Griffin received an outpouring of support from friends, fans and well-wishers.
Reacting to the news, Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison tweeted: “Sending out prayers and love Kathy!”
Actress Ellen Barkin also publicly expressed her support as she commented: “Sending thoughts and prayers your way.”
“You are an amazing person and friend and I am thinking of you through this,” wrote artist Tony Posnanski.
“Kathy!!! Sending you so much love & strength as you go thru treatment,” said writer Megan Kelley Hall.
“You know that Maggie is up there pulling for you & telling everyone that it’s not your time. She might be saying it over a few glasses of wine, but she & your dad are watching over you. Sending love.”
Political commentator David Weissman tweeted: “I’m so sorry Kathy, you are bada** and will defeat cancer. Sending you vibes for a speedy recovery, you got this.”
“Oh lordy Kathy, how much more can one woman take? Sending you (even more) strength and healing vibes,” wrote podcaster Liz Gumbinner.
Griffin will be seen discussing her diagnosis in further depth during an interview with Juju Chang on ABC News’ Nightline, which is set to air on Monday night.
In a preview clip from the interview, the star is seen saying that she’s “still a little bit in shock” after getting the news in recent weeks.
She said: “Really just days ago—like, I think two weeks ago—I was diagnosed with cancer. As a friend of mine had said, ‘How many kicks in the nuts can you take?’ My nuts are pretty strong, but it’s a challenge.
“I was definitely in shock. I’m still a little bit in shock—not denial, but once a day I’ll just turn to like, nobody next to me and go, ‘Can you believe this s***? Is this a b**** or what?’”
