CBC News Ottawa co-anchor Lucy van Oldenbarneveld has been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

CBC News Ottawa co-anchor Lucy van Oldenbarneveld is temporarily stepping away from her newsroom duties to be treated for breast cancer. (CBC) The diagnosis was made earlier this month and van Oldenbarneveld, who also hosts the weekly TV magazine show Our Ottawa, will temporarily step away from her duties for treatment.

She is very optimistic and her prognosis for recovery is strong, she said.

"The reality is just sinking in, as it must for thousands of women every year. Many, many fight it and survive and that's my plan too," van Oldenbarneveld wrote Monday in an email to her CBC colleagues and on her Facebook page.

"I'm feeling scared, but optimistic. I'm also grateful for all the love and support I have from those around me. I'm ready to fight this!" she wrote.

All newsroom staff are behind van Oldenbarneveld and she has our full support throughout her journey.

Best wishes can be sent to her Twitter account, @LucyvanOlden, or via email to cbcnewsottawa@cbc.ca.