Former US President Jimmy Carter has revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

Doctors discovered the cancer during the 90-year-old's recent liver surgery. He released a brief statement through the Carter Center on Wednesday.

"Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body. 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."

President Barack Obama reportedly called President Carter during his vacation in Massachussettes. He also released the following statement:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosalynn and the entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the same grace and determination that they have shown so many times before. Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you," he said.

Democratic National Committee Chair Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz also released the following statement wishing President Carter well:

“My thoughts and well wishes are with President Carter, Mrs Carter and their family. I wish him strength as he faces this challenge head on, as I am sure he will do with the same spirit with which he has always fought on behalf of others.