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Former President Carter Has Cancer

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FILE - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks during a forum in Boston.
FILE - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks during a forum in Boston.

Former President Jimmy Carter announced Wednesday that he has cancer, discovered recently during liver surgery.

Carter, 90, announced the diagnosis in a short statement. He did not specify what type of cancer he has, saying only that it was in "other parts" of his body.

"A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week," he said. The 39th president will undergo treatment at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.

Good wishes poured in on social media after Carter's announcement. President Barack Obama spoke to Carter late Wednesday and wished him a full and speedy recovery on behalf of himself and first lady Michelle Obama.

"Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you,'' Obama said in a written statement.

Carter underwent surgery August 3 to remove a small mass in his liver.

Since leaving the Oval Office in 1981, the former president has established the Carter Foundation and has traveled the world, working on issues like health care, global democracy, women and children's rights and affordable housing.

He recently finished a book tour to promote A Full Life: Reflections at 90, his latest work. He has written more than 20 books since leaving office.

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