Social media users have taken to Twitter in their droves to commend Julia Louis Dreyfuss's response to her recent cancer diagnosis.

The Veep star uploaded a short but poignant message to her Twitter account after learning that she had breast cancer.

Turning her attention to the millions of other women dealing with a similar diagnosis, the 56-year-old actress urged the public to work towards supporting them.

"1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today, I'm the one," she began in a post which has been liked almost 400,000 thousands in less than 24 hours.

"The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring family and friends, and fantastic insurance through my union. The bad news is that not all women are so lucky, so let's fight all cancers and make universal health care a reality."

Unsurprisingly, Julia's fans and followers have wasted no time showing their support for their star and paying tribute to her empathetic post.

Among the supporters are high-profile names including former vice-president Joe Biden, Hollywood producer Judd Apatow and Pitch Perfect star, Anna Kendrick.

"We Veeps stick together. Jill and I, and all of the Bidens, are with you, Julia." wrote Joe in a post which has been liked more than a quarter of million times.

"Sending you love and strength but it appears you beat us to it and are sending the world love and strength," Judd wrote in a tribute yesterday.

HBO, home to the award-winning Veep, have released a statement regarding Julia's announcement, beginning: "Our love and support go out to Julia and her family at this time."

"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."