The Daily Universe celebrates 50 years

By Megan Christofferson

President Howard W. hunter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is being treated for prostate cancer after being released from the hospital only three days ago.

President Hunter's physician, William F. Reilly, called his condition "serious."

"He has cancer of the prostate gland, metastasic to the bones, for which he is currently being treated," said Reilly's news release.

President Hunter, who is 87 years old, was hospitalized for four days last week due to fatigue. He had recently been participating in the bountiful temple dedication and had returned from trips to Mexico, Switzerland, Arizona, Illinois, Hawaii, Florida, and California. President Hunter's last public appearance was at the Bountiful temple dedication on Jan. 8.

LDS church spokesman Don Lefevre said that President Hunter is still able to function in his calling as president of the Church.

He is not working in his office in the church Office Building today, but "his counselors have met with him, and he's still functioning in his office and calling," LeFevre said.

President Hunter was scheduled to speak to BYU students Tuesday but was unable to attend. He was to be the first in a weekly devotional series given in the Marriot Center throughout the semester. Due to his hospitalization, Hunter asked Dallin H. Oaks to speak in his place.

Following the death of Ezra Taft Benson in June of 1994, Hunter became the 14th president of the LDS Church. He has a history of serious health problems, which includes quadruple bypass heart surgery in May 1993, and according to an authorized biography, President Hunter underwent prostate surgery in 1980 to remove a tumor.

Cancer of the prostate can be treated by surgery, radiation, or hormonal manipulation.

"It's very complicated and depends on the specific case," said urologist Odell F. Rigby.

Copyright Brigham Young University 8 Dec 2005