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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Petraeus treated for cancer

Petraeus (The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February and has since undergone two months of radiation treatment.

Petraeus, 56, was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, which was not publicly disclosed at the time because Petraeus and his family regarded his illness as “a personal matter” that “did not interfere with the performance of his duties,” said his spokesman, Col. Erik Gunhus.

President Barack Obama and top members of his administration were informed, he said.

As commander of a region running through the Middle East and across Central Asia, Petraeus did make at least one overseas trip during his treatment.

The Pentagon termed Petraeus’ treatment “successful.” He was treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

In recent months, Petraeus has been noticeably on the sidelines of the public debate over how to salvage the war effort in Afghanistan.

He has taken such a low profile publicly of late that some inside the Washington beltway speculated that he was contemplating a run for the presidency in 2012, something his advisers have denied.