RTE broadcaster Evelyn O'Rourke yesterday revealed that she is expecting her second child and has successfully battled breast cancer.

The 38-year-old, who is married to head of 2FM John McMahon, issued a statement through a public relations company "in response to repeated media queries regarding a personal and private health issue".

She confirmed that she recently underwent surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin to treat her cancer. The statement added that the procedure was successful and "thanks to early detection and excellent medical care" she is expected to make a full recovery.

O'Rourke, who worked as a roving reporter on the Gerry Ryan radio programme, also revealed that she is expecting her second child in early 2011.

She said: "I have been enormously touched by the public support we received following Gerry Ryan's tragic death in April, and more recently by the huge support I've received from my family, friends and colleagues during this challenging time.

"I would urge anyone with any health concerns to go to their doctor as soon as possible because the earlier the diagnosis is made; the better the outcome is likely to be. I am the living proof of that."

O'Rourke and her husband also appealed for the media to respect their privacy

Evelyn O'Rourke began working for RTE in 1988 as a researcher for the Gay Byrne radio programme. She then went on to work on the Pat Kenny show before teaming up with Gerry Ryan.

The pair were extremely close and O'Rourke also starred in the TV show Operation Transformation with the late broadcaster.

O'Rourke presented a tribute show to Ryan the day after his death in April, which was her first programme since she gave birth to her son Oisín Brian McMahon in December 2009.