Scott Baio has urged people to get MRI scans after his wife was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumour.

The 'Bugsy Malone' actor took to Facebook to announce the sad news to his fans that his beloved spouse Renee Sloan - whom he married in 2007 and has a seven-year-old daughter, Bailey Deluca Baio, with - has the condition.

He wrote: ''Just a few days ago we learned my wife, Renee has a Meningioma brain tumor. Although 90 % of these type of tumour are benign they can cause serious problems depending on the size of tumour and the location. We are waiting to learn the exact location to see if its operable.''

He continued: ''Renee has been down some rough roads in her life, yet each time with her strong faith in God, she comes through a better and stronger person. During this time we ask for your prayers and support. My wife is my rock. She refuses to shed one tear, nor will she question God's will. Renee, Bailey and I will get through this and along the way maybe help educate others to get checked out (MRI with contrast) as 6,500 people each year, mostly women get these tumours. (sic)''

Renee has since taken to Twitter to thank her followers for all their ''well wishes'' and messages of support.

She wrote on Twitter: ''Tks 4 well wishes. A Meningioma brain tumor is a bump in the road compared 2the trials/tribulations my spec needs kids live (sic)''