国际英语新闻：Former Israeli prime minister's cancer deteriorating

JERUSALEM, April 19 (Xinhua) -- A series of medical tests of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert underwent in the United States showed that his prostate cancer is deteriorating, local news service Ynet reported Sunday.

    "Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has undergone a series of tests and consultations with a number of medical experts in the United States. The tests indicate a growth of the tumor that necessitates immediate treatment," the report quoted Olmert's media advisor Amir Dan as saying in a written release.

    A course of treatment will be decided on immediately upon Olmert's return to Israel, in accordance with the doctors' recommendations, Dan added.

    Olmert, along with his doctors and family, is currently examining the possibilities at the former prime minister's disposal, said the report, adding that at present it appears that there will be no choice but to opt for either surgery or radiation therapy.

    Furthermore, it has not yet been decided whether Olmert will be treated in the United States or back in Israel.

    Olmert, 63, made his prostate cancer condition public in October 2007.

    Prostate cancer is mostly common in men over 50 years old. Unlike other forms of cancer, cancerous cells in the prostate are common, and a growth can remain unchanged for a long period of time.