Tom Brokaw, the former "NBC Nightly News" anchor, has been suffering from bone cancer since last summer, he reveals in a statement released by NBC News.

The 74-year-old was diagnosed last August with multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting blood cells in the bone marrow. He and his doctors believe he is making good progress.

“I remain the luckiest guy I know,” Brokaw said in the statement. “With the exceptional support of my family, medical team and friends, I am very optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing my life, my work and adventures still to come."

Since stepping down from the anchor chair in 2004, the journalist has continued to work on various NBC News projects, including NBC Sports coverage of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

And although Brokaw appreciates the well-wishes, he is still on the road to recovery.

“I am very grateful for the interest in my condition but I also hope everyone understands I wish to keep this a private matter,” he said.

The newsman isn't fighting the disease alone. He has wife of 51 years, Meredith Lynn Auld , by his side as well as daughters Jennifer, Andrea and Sarah.