Christina Applegate has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 36-year-old 'Anchorman' actress, who is currently starring in her own sitcom 'Samantha Who?' about a woman who loses her memory, is said to have, however, caught the disease early and is doing well.

Her spokesperson said in People magazine: "Christina Applegate was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer. Benefiting from early detection through a doctor ordered MRI, the cancer is not life threatening.

"Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery."

The Emmy winner's mother Nancy Lee Priddy survived breast and cervical cancer, which encouraged Christina to support Stand Up To Cancer, a charity that raises funds for cancer research.