ABC Radio Sydney Afternoon presenter James Valentine has told his audience that he is taking time off for cancer treatment.

In sharing the news on air this afternoon, Valentine told listeners: “It’s a big thing to say. A big thing to say out loud. A big thing to say here on the radio. But at some point, I had to tell you, and I wanted to tell you all here, and do it in this way.”

Valentine revealed that last December, he started to have a little trouble swallowing.

At first, he questioned whether perhaps it was indigestion. His wife noticed it as well.

Valentine says on further investigation, a 4 centimetre tumour was found in his oesophagus.

Valentine says he been getting chemo and radiation to reduce the tumour, which has been effective.

He says the tumour has shrunk and the cancer has not spread.

Valentine also chatted with his surgeon on air.

Today’s program will be Valentine’s last for a while.

He will take some time away for a holiday, followed by an operation and a few months of recovery.

Tim Webster will present Afternoons while James is away having treatment.