At 82 years old, Warren Buffett is considered one of the most successful investors of all time. The American businessman, investor and philanthropist is the head shareholder, CEO and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, and has been ranked among the world’s wealthiest people for decades.
Often referred to as the “Wizard of Omaha ,” “Oracle of Omaha” and “Sage of Omaha,” Buffett is respected for his attitude towards his wealth, as well as for his pledge to donate 99% of his fortune to charity.
One week ago, Mr. Buffett was diagnosed with early-onset prostate cancer. He shared an open letter to the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, stating that his condition is not life-threatening:
“To the Shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway,
This is to let you know that I have been diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer. The good news is that I’ve been told by my doctors that my condition is not remotely life threatening or even debilitating in any meaningful way. I received my diagnosis last Wednesday. I then had a CAT scan and a bone scan on Thursday, followed by an MRI today. These tests showed no incidence of cancer elsewhere in my body.
My doctors and I have decided a two-month treatment of daily radiation to begin in mid-July. This regimen will restrict my travel during that period, but will not otherwise change my daily routine.
I feel great- as if I were in my normal excellent health- and my energy level is 100%. I discovered the cancer because my PSA level (an indicator my doctors had regularly checked for many years) recently jumped beyond its normal elevation and a biopsy seemed warranted.
I will let shareholders know immediately should my health situation change. Eventually, of course, it will; but I believe that day is a long way off.
Warren E. Buffet”
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