Gen Petraeus treated for cancer

Gen Petraeus, 57, is known for his physical fitness

The head of US Central Command, Gen David Petraeus, was successfully treated for early-stage prostate cancer this year, his office has said.

It said he was diagnosed with the illness in February and underwent two months of radiation treatment at an army hospital in Washington DC.

The treatment had "minimal impact on his work schedule", the statement said.

It added that top US officials were aware, including President Barack Obama and Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

Gen Petraeus - who is responsible for overseeing US military operations across the Middle East, Afghanistan and Central Asia - kept his illness private because he regarded it as a "personal matter" and it did not interfere with his duties, the statement said.

The statement said he made at least one overseas trip during the period of his treatment, and worked four to five days a week in Washington, attending policy reviews and other Pentagon activities.

A spokesman for Gen Petraeus, 57, released the statement in response to questions from the US media.