Gov. Walker undergoes successful surgery for prostate cancer

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker is recuperating from a successful four-hour surgery to treat his prostate cancer, his office said.

Walker's office said in a brief statement Tuesday morning that he had undergone the surgery Monday. The governor announced the diagnosis at a press conference in early November, saying it came as a result of a blood test during a routine physical exam.

"I would like to thank the talented medical team who made this surgery a success, and the countless Alaskans who have sent their well wishes over the past month," Walker said in Tuesday's statement. "The outpouring of support my family and I have received since announcing my cancer diagnosis has been incredibly humbling."

"No further treatment is anticipated at this time," the statement said.

Katie Marquette, Walker's press secretary, declined to say Tuesday where the governor was treated in the interests of "his privacy and security."

Walker didn't need to transfer his powers to Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott at any time as a result of the procedure, Marquette said, in line with advice beforehand from Alaska Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth.

The governor also used his statement to urge Alaskans to get routine health checkups so issues like his cancer can be detected and treated early.

"I look forward to returning to work very soon," Walker said.