Politics | David Petraeus Petraeus Secretly Treated for Cancer General diagnosed with prostate cancer in February By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Oct 6, 2009 6:04 AM CDT Copied Gen. David Petraeus at the Presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) Gen. David Petraeus was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in February but underwent successful radiation treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the military disclosed today. A spokesman for Petraeus said the treatment had little effect on the general's job and Petraeus did make at least one overseas trip during his treatment. President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates were aware of his diagnosis, reports the AP. Read These Next Actor Michael Madsen is dead at 67. Doctor left her Alaskan cruise and never returned. Police shot a bank robber as a drone delivered some Faygo Red Pop. Extremely rare bat-borne virus claims a human life. Report an error