Former President Jimmy Carter Says Cancer Has Spread to Brain, Will Begin Radiation

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced during a Thursday press conference that his recently-diagnosed cancer has spread to his brain and he will immediately begin radiation.

While speaking from the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, the 90-year-old former president said that he is "perfectly at ease with whatever comes" and will begin treatment to rid himself of the cancer as soon as possible.

"I'm ready for anything and looking forward to a new adventure," said Carter, adding that doctors found "four spots of melanoma on my brain -- small spots" after performing a simple procedure to remove a mass on his liver.

"I have had a wonderful life," Carter added, allegedly cracking jokes and smiling as he delivered his speech to well-wishers and media outlets.

Carter confirmed late last week that cancer had spread throughout his body. The disease was discovered by doctors following his liver procedure.

"Recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that is now in other parts of my body," Carter said in a statement last week. "I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment by physicians at Emory Healthcare. A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week."

The former president has received several well-wishes from prominent Americans, with current U.S. President Barack Obama saying he and the First Lady will keep Carter in their thoughts.

"Michelle and I send our best wishes," Obama said in a statement, adding "Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you."