GET WELL SOON, GENERAL:

Powell to Undergo Prostate Cancer Surgery (Fox News, December 15, 2003)

Secretary of State Colin Powell will undergo surgery for prostate cancer Monday at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the State Department said.

Spokesman Adam Ereli said the surgery had been scheduled for some time and he described it as "routine intervention."

Ereli said Powell is expected to be hospitalized for several days, then go home to recuperate. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage will be in charge in his absence, Ereli said.

President Bush was informed of the surgery two weeks ago, Ereli said.

In a statement, the State Department said that Powell "is undergoing surgery this morning for prostate cancer," and that after he returned home from the surgery would be on a "reduced schedule."