Dodd diagnosed with prostate cancer

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/31/art.dodd0731.gi.jpg caption="Sen. Chris Dodd is expected to announce Friday that he will be treated for early-stage prostate cancer."] (CNN) - Sen. Christopher Dodd announced Friday that he has an early form of prostate cancer, but said he is going to be fine.

"I feel fine; I'm going to be fine. We caught this early," he said at a news conference with his wife, Jackie Clegg Dodd.

He will undergo surgery after the Senate adjourns next week, Dodd said.

Dodd, 65, is expected to face a tough re-election campaign in 2010. He stated emphatically Friday he still plans to run.

"The condition was caught extremely early," said a source close to Dodd, who added that the procedure is routine, and the senator's health "is otherwise superb."

"This in no way whatsoever affects his re-election plans," said the source.

UPDATE: Dodd sent his supporters a message Friday afternoon confirming the report.

(Full text of Dodd statement after the jump)

Dear Friend,

I wanted to let you know that I've been diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer.

This diagnosis is very common among men my age. In fact, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their life.

Luckily, a routine test allowed my doctor to catch it at a very early stage, and my prognosis is excellent – we expect a full and speedy recovery.

I want to assure you that I'm feeling fine. As you know, we've been working hard to pass health care legislation and reform our nation's financial system to protect consumers, and that hard work will continue.

After the Senate adjourns at the end of next week, I'll have surgery to remove the cancer. After a week or two of recuperation, I expect to be right back to work.

After all, as a Member of Congress, I have great health insurance. I was able to get screened, seek the opinions of highly skilled doctors, consider all the available options, and choose the treatment that was right for me.

And I know you'll agree that every American deserves the same ability.

We have health care legislation to pass – and an election to win. And I can’t thank you enough for your support.

Sincerely,

Chris