Beloved US newsman Tom Brokaw has been diagnosed with cancer.
The veteran reporter, who has been a staple at NBC since 1966, has been battling multiple myeloma since August 2013.
The news of Brokaw's health battle was announced in a statement on the NBCNews.com blog on Tuesday.
The statement reads, "NBC News Special Correspondent Tom Brokaw revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer and said he and his physicians are very encouraged with the progress he is making.
"Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting blood cells in the bone marrow, in August at the Mayo Clinic. His doctors are optimistic about the outcome of the treatment he is receiving."
The 74-year-old followed that with his own statement, in which he said he was "very optimistic about the future" thanks to the exceptional support of his family, medical team and friends.
"I look forward to continuing my life, my work and adventures still to come. I remain the luckiest guy I know. I am very grateful for the interest in my condition but I also hope everyone understands I wish to keep this a private matter," he said.
Brokaw is best known as the former anchor of the NBC Nightly News, which he hosted for 22 years until 2004. He has continued to work for NBC News as a special correspondent, and is currently contributing to the NBC Sports coverage of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia during his treatment.
