Warren Buffett Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

Billionaire Warren Buffett announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

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In a letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, the 81-year-old said that his condition, which he learned of last week, is "not life-threatening or even debilitating in any meaningful way." He will begin a radiation program this July for two months. Because of this, Buffett's travel schedule will be affected but it will not change other areas of his daily routine.

Buffett, who is among one of the richest in the world, said his cancer is at an early stage and was discovered because his PSA levels were up, which then prompted his doctors to conduct a biopsy based on the findings.

"I will let shareholders know immediately should my health situation change," Buffett said in the letter. "Eventually, of course, it will; but I believe that day is a long way off.

In last year's annual Forbes list of the richest people in America, Buffett ranked second with a worth of $39 billion, behind Bill Gates.

Read Buffett's letter to shareholders:

To the Shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway:

This is to let you know that I have been diagnosed with stage I prostate cancer. The good news is that I’ve been told by my doctors that my condition is not remotely life-threatening or even debilitating in any meaningful way. I received my diagnosis last Wednesday. I then had a CAT scan and a bone scan on Thursday, followed by an MRI today. These tests showed no incidence of cancer elsewhere in my body.

My doctors and I have decided on a two-month treatment of daily radiation to begin in mid-July. This regimen will restrict my travel during that period, but will not otherwise change my daily routine. I feel great – as if I were in my normal excellent health – and my energy level is 100 percent. I discovered the cancer because my PSA level (an indicator my doctors had regularly checked for many years) recently jumped beyond its normal elevation and a biopsy seemed warranted.

I will let shareholders know immediately should my health situation change. Eventually, of course, it will; but I believe that day is a long way off.

Warren E. Buffett