In a statement this morning, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein announced that he has a “highly curable” form of lymphoma, confirmed by a biopsy last week. He will be undergoing chemotherapy over the next few months, and plans to work and lead the firm “substantially as normal,” though he will curtail some planned travel.
Lymphoma is the term for a group of blood cancers, which are split into two types, Hodgkins and non-Hodgkins. The announcement doesn’t specify the type or stage of Blankfein’s disease.
Blankfein is the second major bank CEO to recently get cancer. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon was diagnosed with throat cancer last summer. He told employees in December that he was cancer free.
Here’s the full statement from Blankfein:
To my colleagues, our clients and our shareholders,
Late this summer after several weeks of not feeling well, I underwent a series of tests, which culminated in a biopsy last week. After the biopsy, I was told by my doctors that I have lymphoma. Fortunately, my form of lymphoma is highly curable and my doctors’ and my own expectation is that I will be cured.
My treatment plan will include chemotherapy over the next several months in New York. My doctors have advised me that during the treatment, I will be able to work substantially as normal, leading the firm. I will, however, reduce some of my previously planned travel during the treatment period. I have discussed this approach with our Board of Directors and they are supportive.
There are many people who are dealing with cancer every day. I draw on their experiences as I begin my own. I have a lot of energy and I’m anxious to begin the treatment. I appreciate your support and good wishes.
Lloyd