Prime Minister David Cameron has sent a get-well message to BBC political editor Nick Robinson (pictured, Shutterstock) after news that he is being treated for a tumour.
The 51-year-old journalist, who has led the corporation's Westminster coverage since 2005, needs an operation to remove a bronchial carcinoid tumour from his lung.
But he hopes to be back at work in time to cover the general election campaign, his agent said.
In a statement, his agent said Robinson, who is married with three children, would be "taking a short time off work over the next few weeks".
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She added: "His doctors are aiming to get him back at work in plenty of time to cover the election campaign proper.
"He and his family have asked that they now have the space and privacy he needs in order to rest and recover fully before returning to work."
In a Twitter message, Cameron said: "Sorry to hear you'll be off for a few weeks. I wish you well – and a speedy return before the General Election."
A BBC spokesman said: "Everyone at the BBC wishes Nick a speedy recovery."
Carcinoid tumours are rare and tend to be slow growing, sometimes not causing any symptoms for several years, Cancer Research UK says on its website.
Around a quarter start in the lung and typically do not spread to other parts of the body.
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