Former President Jimmy Carter Announces He Has Cancer

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter announced on Wednesday that a recent surgery reveals he has cancer than has spread to multiple parts of his body.

Carter said in a statement this week that doctors detected the cancer while performing a simple procedure on his liver to remove a small mass. Although it was originally stated that "the prognosis is excellent for a full recovery," it has now been updated to indicate that cancer was found in the mass as well as other parts of the former president's body.

"Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that is now in other parts of my body," the 90-year-old said in a statement. "I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare. A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week."

Dr. Robert Mayer, who specializes in gastrointestinal cancer at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, told NBC News in a recent interview that at Carter's age, the most important goal of medical staff will be ensuring his comfort, as his body will likely not take much treatment.

"This is a 90 year old gentlemen with apparent widespread disease. The goals of treatment would be his comfort. If chemo is considered it would need to take into account his age," Mayer said.

Current President Barack Obama issued a statement saying "Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you."