NBC News special correspondent Tom Brokaw revealed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer than affects the white blood cells in bone marrow.

The 74-year-old former anchor of “NBC Nightly News” is currently contributing to the network’s Winter Olympics coverage in Sochi. He released a statement through the network.

“With the exceptional support of my family, medical team and friends, I am very optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing my life, my work and adventures still to come,” he says.

“I remain the luckiest guy I know,” Brokaw said, and he offered thanks for everyone’s concern but concluded, “I wish to keep this a private matter.”


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According to NBC News, Brokaw was diagnosed with the cancer at the Mayo Clinic in August and has continued to work while receiving treatment.

NBC News reporter Luke Russert, son of Brokaw’s longtime colleague Tim Russert, offered words of support on Twitter, writing, "@tombrokaw is one tough cowboy, no doubt he’ll give this a helluva fight.”

Last November, Brokaw anchored the two-hour documentary “Where Were You: The Day JFK Died” on the 50th anniversary of the president’s assassination.


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