Media tycoon Murdoch has cancer

Rupert Murdoch and wife Wendy at a party in February

Rupert Murdoch, chairman of media conglomerate News Corporation, is to undergo treatment for "low grade" prostate cancer.

The company said on Saturday that Mr Murdoch, 69, learned of the condition last week after routine medical tests in Los Angeles.

The treatment will last several weeks and his doctors are confident it will eliminate the problem

News Corp spokesman

"His doctors have told Mr Murdoch the prognosis is very good and that it is an extremely low-grade form of the cancer," said a News Corporation spokesman.

"He has no intention of changing his work schedule."

Brief sessions of radiotherapy are expected to start in about a month's time and will last several weeks.

"His doctors are confident it will eliminate the problem," the spokesman said.

Common cancer

Australian-born Mr Murdoch acquired US citizenship in 1985 to further his media interests in the United States. He is reportedly worth $5 bn.

His marriage of 32 years to second wife Anna ended in divorce last year. They have three children.

He wed former News Corporation executive Wendy Deng, 32, soon afterwards.

Cancer of the prostate - a small gland situated near the bladder in men - has steadily become more common over the past few decades.

If found early, while still confined to the gland itself, chances of survival are excellent.