Former longtime NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw is unfortunately suffering from a form of bone marrow cancer.

Last summer, the 74 year-old was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting blood cells in the bone marrow.

Brokaw received the news devastating news last August (2013) at the Mayo Clinic, it was announced on Tuesday (Feb 11th).

However, the television journalist, who has been working for NBC News since 1966, has stated that his doctors are pleased with his current progress and are happy with the results of the treatment he is receiving.

The National Cancer Institute in the US conducted a recent study into the ten-year survival rate of Brokaw's disease, for someone his age it falls at just 13%.

But despite this, the grandfather of five is remaining positive.

"I am the luckiest guy I know," said Brokaw in a statement to NBC. "With the exceptional support of my family, medical team and friends, I am very optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing my life, my work and adventures still to come."

Tom, who has been working as a special correspondent for the network since he retired from the anchor chair in 2004, has continued to work on NBC projects despite battling with the illness.

The newsman has worked on a two-hour documentary on the assassination of JFK, and partaken in appearances on 'TODAY,' 'Nightly News with Brian Williams,' 'Meet the Press' and MSNBC.

He is currently working with NBC Sports and their coverage of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Brokaw adds, "I am very grateful for the interest in my condition but I also hope everyone understands I wish to keep this a private matter."

Tom Brokaw
Tom Brokaw is remaining positive despite diagnosis