Bush spokesman's cancer returns

Mr Snow's mother died of cancer when he was 17 years old

White House spokesman Tony Snow has had a recurrence of cancer, an operation has discovered, the White House says.

It said a growth removed from his abdomen this week was cancerous and had spread to his liver.

Mr Snow was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005. His colon was removed and he underwent six months of chemotherapy.

In a brief, sombre statement, President Bush said his spokesman was "not going to let this whip him", and added that he would be praying for Mr Snow.

"A lot of people in the White House are worried about their friend," Mr Bush said, telling Mr Snow: "A lot of people love you and care for you and are going to pray for you."

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters Mr Snow remained in good spirits: "He said he's going to beat it again."

Mr Snow, 51, joined the White House in April 2006 from Fox News.

He has spoken emotionally about his mother's death from cancer when he was 17 years old, saying advances in medical technology had enabled him to survive the disease that killed her.