NBC Anchor Tom Brokaw has revealed he is diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer found in the plasma cells of bone marrow.
Brokaw release the following statement about his diagnosis:
"With the exceptional support of my family, medical team and friends, I am very optimistic about the future and 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."
According to NBC News, the special correspondent has continued to work for the news organization, including contributing to NBC Sports coverage of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, throughout his treatment process.
"In multiple myeloma, a group of plasma cells (myeloma cells) becomes cancerous and multiplies, raising the number of plasma cells to a higher than normal level. Since these cells normally make proteins (antibodies), the level of abnormal proteins in your blood also may go up," according to Mayo Clinic. "Health problems caused by multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count."
WebMD reports there is no cure for the disease, but there are many treatment options for patients. Those suffering from multiple myeloma can seek "chemotherapy and other anti-cancer drugs, corticosteroids, stem cell transplantation and radiation."
According to The Huffington Post, Brokaw was awarded the the Ambassador of Hope Award from the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Eppley Cancer Center in 2006 for being a proponent for cancer research.
"I don't know any family in America who has not had some kind of really unsettling and ultimately difficult experience with cancer," Brokaw said while receiving the award, HuffPost reports.
You can read more about multiple myeloma on the Mayo Clinic's website here.
