KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei has been confirmed with early stage nose cancer, says the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

"But please give Chong Wei the space and peace of mind to recover," pleaded BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria in a statement after a post went viral on social media saying Chong Wei was suffering from third-stage nose cancer.

"In response to recent reports concerning Datuk Lee Chong Wei, BAM confirms that the player has been diagnosed with early stage nose cancer," said Norza on Saturday (Sept 22).

"Chong Wei is currently in Taiwan seeking treatment, and I am pleased to inform you that he is responding well to his treatment and is currently resting and recuperating amongst family and close friends.

"On behalf of Chong Wei, I would like to thank all Malaysians for your prayers and concern.

"Your support has been his source of strength and courage.

"We urge everyone to respect his privacy and that of his family. BAM is in constant contact with Chong Wei, and we will offer any support we can to our legend," he said.

Two months ago, BAM issued a statement saying that Chong Wei was taking a break from badminton as he had been diagnosed with a respiratory-related disorder in July.

The three-time Olympic silver medallist went to Taiwan for treatment and withdrew from competing in two majors – the World Championships in Nanjing, China, in August and the Asian Games in Indonesia last month – because of his illness.

He is expected to return home after completing his treatment at the end of the month.