Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced that he has cancer, according to a report from the Associated Press. The 90-year-old humanitarian had a recent surgery to remove a mass in his liver, which revealed his current condition.
"Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body," Mr. Carter said in the statement released by the Carter Center. "I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare."
Though it is clear that the cancer has spread widely in Carter's body, the origin is still unknown as of the moment. Further information is said to be released "possibly next week."
According to BBC News, the former president will undergo treatment at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.
Shortly after the announcement, a lot of well-wishers and supporters expressed their sympathy and concern for Mr. Carter.
In a statement released on Wednesday, President Barack Obama said that he and first lady Michelle Obama wished Mr. Carter "a full and fast recovery."
"Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you," Mr. Obama said.
The White House confirms that President Obama spoke to Mr. Carter on the telephone on Wednesday, according to BBC news.
Other supporters went tweeted their support for the former president.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you tonight. #JimmyCarter https://t.co/FTZQK5da3b
— L.A. For Bernie (@laforbernie) August 13, 2015
We are praying for you, President #JimmyCarter. You are a champion for the global community. Thank you. @CarterCenter
— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) August 12, 2015
According to the Associated Press, Mr. Carter was a former peanut farmer in Georgia, who became a state senator and then Georgia's governor before running for president. He lost to Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Since then, he prioritized working on humanitarian issues for decades. He established the Carter Center in 1982 to promote global issues such as healthcare, democracy and undertaking conflict resolution on several continents.
Per BBC News, the statesman has been awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his effort in helping resolve issues of international scale, advancing democracy and human rights as well as promoting economic and social development.
Also, Habitat For Humanity says that since 1984, Mr. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, volunteer a week per year to help build and improve homes. They have globally attractive annual projects called the "Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project" that helps raise awareness of the need for a decent housing.
Mr. Carter recently promoted his latest book, "A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety," released in July, per BBC News.
