Former President Jimmy Carter revealed Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The 39th President of the United States said that the cancer began in his lungs and then spread throughout his body.

"Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body. I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare," said the 90-year-old former leader in a statement on the website of the Carter Center.

"A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week," reads the statement.

On Aug. 3, Carter's staff reported that the former commander-in-chief would undergo "an elective procedure" in order to remove a small mass in his liver, reports The New York Daily News. The statement also said that Carter's "operation proceeded without issues, and the prognosis is excellent for a full recovery."

Following Carter's announcement, President Barack Obama sent his best in a White House statement.

"Michelle and I send our best wishes to President Carter for a fast and full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosalynn and the entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the same grace and determination that they have shown so many times before," Obama said Wednesday evening.

He added, "Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you."

Carter's grandson, former Georgia state senator Jason Carter sent his appreciation on Twitter to those showing support for his family, writing, "Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my grandfather and grandmother. I will pass them along!"

Since his tenure ended in the White House, Carter and his wife Rosalynn opened the Carter Center in 1982 which works to combat poverty, hunger, and global conflict. The former Georgia governor was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.