TV news presenter Chikushi says he has been diagnosed with cancer

Tetsuya Chikushi, a television news presenter and former Asahi Shimbun reporter, said Monday he has been diagnosed with lung cancer of an early stage.

Chikushi, 71, revealed his illness during a Tokyo Broadcasting System's news program, News 23, and said he will not appear in the program to take a rest for a while.

"I was diagnosed with lung cancer at an early stage last week although I had been confident I would never suffer cancer," said Chikushi. "I would like to concentrate on my medical treatment for the time being."

"I shall return."

He has served as news presenter of the TBS program since its launch in October 1989.