Goldman Sachs chairman and CEO Lloyd Blankfein told his employees, clients and shareholders today that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma. Blankfein said in his message that he first sought treatment after "several weeks of not feeling well" this summer, and received a lymphoma diagnosis after a biopsy. He said that his doctors say his form of lymphoma is "highly curable."
Blankfein, who is 61 years old, is one of two major Wall Street bank CEOs who have been in their jobs since before the financial crisis. The other, JPMorgan Chase chief Jamie Dimon, was diagnosed with throat cancer in July, 2014 and after undergoing treatment, said in December, 2014 that there was "no evidence" of cancer remaining.
Blankfein has been Goldman's CEO and chairman since 2006.
Blankfein did not disclose which type of lymphoma he had been diagnosed with. Lymphoma refers to blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the five-year survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma diagnoses between 2004 and 2010 was 88%, while the survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma was 71%
Like Dimon, Blankfein said he would continue working through chemotherapy treatment. Blankfein said he would "reduce some of my previously planned travel during the treatment period."
Here is Blankfein's full note disclosing his diagnosis.
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